Helmet and related methods

ABSTRACT

The present invention generally relates to helmets and related methods that enhance safety during activities and sports. It is more specifically directed to helmets and related methods that decrease the risk of C.T.E. and concussion during activities and sports. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a helmet assembly. The helmet assembly comprises: a shell configured to receive a head of a wearer of the helmet, the shell comprising a reinforcing layer that includes an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the reinforcing layer comprises a series of linked coils that are entirely encased within a solid filler material, and wherein the series of linked coils are positioned between the outer surface and the inner surface of the reinforcing layer wherein the series of linked coils includes at least first, second and third linked coils that each define an axis, and wherein the axes of the first, second and third linked coils are not co-axial; wherein the inner surface of the reinforcing layer generally forms a curved plane, and wherein the series of linked coils are arranged in overlapping rows to form a curved plane that is generally parallel to the curved plane of the inner surface of the reinforcing layer, and wherein the series of linked coils comprise a metal alloy of nickel and titanium, and wherein the nickel and titanium are present in roughly equal atomic percentages.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/494,912, filed Aug. 24, 2016, which is incorporated by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to helmets and related methods that enhance safety during activities and sports. It is more specifically directed to helmets and related methods that decrease the risk of C.T.E. and concussion during activities and sports.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Despite advances in protective equipment like football helmets, and increased awareness of safety issues (e.g., leading to changes in rules of competition), head, brain, neck, and spine injuries continue to occur at unacceptably high rates while a head, brain, neck, and spine injury-reducing football helmet (e.g., American football helmet) has yet to be produced, particularly for addressing concussion and CTE. While behavior modification to avoid helmet-to-helmet or helmet-to-ground contact continues, the unfortunate many continue to sustain near-term, and quite possibly long-term, injuries encountered on the football field that are yet to be significantly mitigated as much as possible by next generation safety helmet design(s). Clinical consequences of these injuries may include: heightened risk of concussion and other so-called minor traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs), depression, skull fracture, spinal cord injury, osteoligamentous disruption, depression, neurocognitive impairment, impaired motor function, even death, and in the long-term, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, dementia, and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).

Football helmet manufacturers currently develop helmets that meet the NOCSAE (ND) 001-08 m08b adult helmet drop testing linear acceleration and Gadd Severity Index criteria. This NOCSAE standard emphasizes protection only against catastrophic brain injury and skull fracture, and does not similarly prioritize reducing concussion risk, spine injury risk, or risk of long-term sequelae like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, dementia, and or CTE. Riddell's patent application US 20140223644 A1, for instance, entitled “Football helmet with impact attenuation system” invented by Vittorio Bologna, Nelson Kraemer, and Thad M. Ide, depicts the prior art helmet system having compactible/compressible zones (see FIG. 1). FIG. 2 displays variations of these compressible zones.

Recent awareness regarding the detrimental long-term effects that encountered head impacts may have on athletes, particularly football and hockey players, such as CTE, has led to a need for a continued development of improved encountered impact damping and attenuating technology. Accordingly, there is a recognized need in the art to design and develop alternative technologies that advance the protection afforded to those wearing a protective helmet.

In contact sports such as American style football, helmets provide players a degree of protection against injury to their heads due to impact forces that may be sustained; however, a large number of head injuries, particularly g-force injuries, continue to occur. Rapid acceleration or deceleration of the brain in the shell (g-forces) has been deemed to be the cause of concussions and many sports-related injuries and is the subject of growing concern. When contact is made with the conventional helmet, the rigid outer shell moves as a unit, compressing the liner padding between the head and the shell on the contact side of the helmet. After some initial compression, the padding begins to move the head. As the entire helmet and head move away from contact, the padding begins to rebound and places increasing frequencies and forces on the head, skull, and brain. This process of compressing liner padding while gradually imparting an increasing load to the head, skull, and brain is the primary method conventional helmets use to address encountered g-force impacts.

Typical helmets include: an outer shell, generally made of plastic material, having a requisite strength and durability to enable them to be used during the sport of football; an encountered impact absorbing liner within the shell; a face guard; a chin protector, or padded strap that fits/engages about the chin of the wear of the helmet in order to help secure the helmet to the wearer's head. Manufacturers, in order to provide less expensive headgear/helmets, have oftentimes sacrificed personal comfort and protective characteristics. In cases where many individuals are required to use the same safety helmet, for instance, an imperfect fit/engagement is tolerated to save purchasing costs, thereby providing a poorly fitted and uncomfortable helmet. This non-optimized fit can lessen the helmet's protective capabilities.

Prior art attempts to provide a protective safety helmet capable of self or automatic self-adjusting to the head and shape and size of the individual wearing the helmet have included utilization of an elastic band disposed within the protective helmet such that can be expanded to the size of the individual's head. Because only an elastic band captures the head of the individual, it is contemplated that such protective helmets neither comfortably nor sufficiently secure the head of the individual.

There is accordingly a need in the art for novel safety helmets and related methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention encompasses a cooperative facial and mandibular protector (e.g., faceguard attached to an outer shell and configured to at least partially surround the face of a user. Preferably, the memory return, reinforced safety helmet system has a center of gravity—when worn by a user—that is substantially the same in three-dimensional location as the center of gravity of the wearer's head.

In certain aspects, the side jaw protector platforms have reinforced, memory return, lightweight metal or plastic. These materials may be molded to a uniquely designed shape, with the lower cage portion of the faceguard secured or embedded therein.

In certain aspects, the faceguard may be made from a form of plastic known as high density polyethylene (“HDP”). Specifically, an ultra-high molecular weight HDP may be used. If the ultra-high molecular weight HDP is used, it oftentimes has a molecular weight ranging from about 4.1 million to about 6.1 million Daltons.

In certain aspects, the faceguard is configured for different player positions, needs or specifications. Such specifications include, without limitation, age, weight and specific use (i.e., sport).

In other aspects, the present invention encompasses a memory return, reinforced safety helmet and related methods directed to multi-dimensional, integrative, cooperative encountered impact-dampening components comprising: a reinforced memory return faceguard, a multi-layered memory foam liner, and a memory foam chin guard and strap that cooperatively changes the encountered vector angle as disclosed herein.

In other aspects, the present invention encompasses a memory return, reinforced safety helmet and related methods directed to multi-dimensional, integrative, cooperative encountered impact-dampening components comprising: a reinforced, memory return faceguard; a multi-layered memory foam liner; a memory foam chin guard and strap that cooperatively captures and attenuates the encountered frequency range(s) disclosed herein.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a previously unavailable, American football helmet: A cooperative outer shell is configured to at least partially surround the head of a wearer; a cooperative, synergistic inner liner is located substantially within the outer shell and is configured to contact at least a portion of the wearer's head; a memory return, reinforced face and mandibular (faceguard) protector is removably attached to the edge of the outer shell and is configured to at least partially surround the wearer's face. The faceguard's receiving channel is also reinforced by memory return reinforcement configurations as disclosed therein. The helmet and faceguard system has a helmet moment of inertia chosen to reduce risk of injury to the wearer when force is exerted upon the wearer's helmet. A receiving ridgeline in the interior compartment recessed towards the generally planar surface, and the curved receiving region of the faceguard engaging the receiving channel of the interior receiving compartment, provides a smooth transition from the exterior surface of the helmet to the attached faceguard. The faceguard is removable and/or interchangeable with one of many possible faceguard configurations.

Several advantages of the present invention are conferred because there are no protrusions that catch, snag or grab another faceguard or other protective body gear, or fingers, while the helmet configuration is worn during a contact activity.

In other aspects, a composite, multi-axial cooperative encountered impact protection liner for a protective device is provided. The liner is configured to be inserted into the protective device.

In other aspects, the present invention provides a cooperative, reinforced safety helmet having an impact liner system for a helmet and having symbiotic cooperative encountered energy platform attenuation management structures for a safety helmet. The helmet generally comprises a memory return, reinforced helmet shell and a cooperative impact liner system removably attached to the helmet shell. In certain cases, the impact liner system comprises a plurality of compressible and returnable encountered energy management platform structures and one or more carriers for supporting the encountered energy management platform structures within the helmet shell.

Platform structures are oftentimes configured to be positioned between the head of the user and an interior surface of a helmet shell such that the top wall is adjacent to the head of the user, and the bottom wall is adjacent to the interior surface. The outer and inner platform walls are configured to compress when the helmet shell's exterior is impacted by an object.

In certain cases, the encountered energy management structure platforms are composed of three different memory foam layers having three different density response compression and return characteristics. The lightest memory return layer (ellipsed dome and first layer) is in contact with the wearer's head, and the firmest memory return layer is located in the middle of the platform. The mid-grade memory return layer is located against and secured to the helmet shell.

A protective helmet according to the present invention better protects a helmet's wearer from a variety (different angles and intensities) of encountered impact forces striking the helmet by reducing the encountered g-forces that convert into a variety of complex frequencies producing cavitation effects. It more specifically nullifies the harmful frequencies, and resulting effects, in the megahertz range.

The inventor theorizes that CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy), as discovered by Dr. Bennet Omalu, is caused by multiple sub-concussive blows (averaging about 100 impacts per game and or practice), and those repeated strikes can cause areas to be bruised (acidotic induced inflammation) or over compressed inside of the brain itself. Players barely notice one sub-concussive blow, as the body is highly elastic, such as its rebound characteristics. It is these repeated ‘small concussions’ that create scar tissue in bundles (Tau tangles) inside of the player's brain. The current invention encompasses extending the encountered impact duration over a longer period of time, so that the brain does not effectively flow forward, and collide into the interior of the skull.

Furthermore, the inventor theorizes that CTE is not caused by a large initial encountered impact, such as a concussion, but rather the reverberations (frequencies) that are caused and further compounded through the reinforcement of harmful standing waves, into a more powerful frequency range (higher frequency) that causes the resultant brain damage. As an example, brain damage occurs when these standing waves collide together. When these standing waves that are initially created reinforce each other, and carry the frequency higher, which is when the damage actually occurs. Please note that this encountered vibration amplification can happen very rapidly, such as a billionth of a second. The inventor theorizes this is especially important as with every encountered impact there is a series of generated waves; in other words these impacts aren't actually a single wave, it is actually a series of train waves, that provides the necessary amount of waves required to significantly reinforce one another.

In an exemplary embodiment, the current invention encompasses preventing these previously overlooked or ignored reinforcing and amplifying vibrations (frequencies). Such wave interactions that cause CTE are generally within the megahertz range.

In several exemplary embodiments, the current invention encompasses that the inventor theorizes that as time passes and the initial encountered impact(s) starts dropping off, their reverberation (frequencies) starts dropping off, and the vibration starts dropping off as it moves away from the first moment of encountered impact, and thus the sloshing (slapping), of the brain inside of the brain cavity, changes.

The prior art safety helmets, particularly American style football safety helmets, are unaware of or ignores that the initial impact striking force is going to have one set of frequencies, the helmet components, further including helmet's shell materials, shape, and impact attenuating apparatus as disclosed herein, further including the faceguard, helmet liner/suspension system, chin strap, chin guard, and associated components' materials, having another set of generated frequencies, the head/brain inside of the safety helmet system is going to have another set of train frequencies, as the player's skull will encounter and generate another set of train frequencies, as every individual player has a thinner or thicker skull.

In an exemplary embodiment, the current invention encompasses a tunable dynamic response, between the helmet shell, faceguard, liner/suspension system, chin strap, chin guard, further including the innovative encountered impact internal helmet capturing and attenuating system (apparatus) of the current invention changes the vector and or direction of the encountered train impact(s) to decrease the constructive interference and corresponding vibrations' amplification.

The inventor theorizes that the encountered brain frequency (vibration) that causes chronic traumatic encephalopathy, as it is named by the discoverer, Dr. Bennet Omalu, is generally within the megahertz frequency range. Note as a more specific damaging range is very individualized. This frequency range is subject to many encountered factors such as the thickness, size, and shape of the individual player's skull, the player's gender, weight, and age, and it is furthermore generally governed by the amount of space between the brain and the skull.

The prior art of American style football safety helmets significantly overlooks the omnidirectional nature of encountered train impacts, and generally only considers dampening impact forces in one direction. In an exemplary embodiment the current invention encompasses attenuating and canceling of lateral movement of pressure, such as the sum total of all of the angular encountered forces (vectored force) that is applied as a result of the encountered impact. The prior art is unaware of or ignores that the higher the displacement of the encountered vector forces, the more effective the safety helmet system is.

In a preferred embodiment, the current invention encompasses, as an example, an American style football safety helmet system designed to compensate and respond just enough to absorb what is necessary in each direction, and thus produce angular momentum that is virtually exactly equal and opposite the encountered impact.

In one case, the current invention encompasses a memory return, reinforced safety helmet and related method for protecting the brain of the wearer. This is accomplished by reducing the cavitation intensity and the damaging brain effects by dampening the encountered helmet generated frequencies, and their collision generated frequencies, that are in the megahertz range. These frequencies can produce brain damage, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

The protective helmet reduces g-forces through its unique design by having a memory return, reinforced shock absorption system on the inside of a single hard shell. It comprises an inner shell having internal padding platforms, an encountered energy absorbing layer external to the inner shell, and an outer shell assembly. Unlike the jarring effect that occurs at the point of impact with a single hard shell helmet with interior padding, the outer memory return reinforced system of the present invention dampens the encountered impact energy before reaching the helmet liner.

With the protective helmet of the present invention, the memory return, reinforced encountered energy absorbing system takes a longer time to impart its force, thereby reducing the rate of acceleration of (or g-forces) to the brain and head. A conventional helmet cannot do this for several reasons: 1) it must have multi-layered memory foam energy management padding platforms conforming sufficiently to the wearer's head to prevent the helmet from coming loose from the wearer's head; and 2) the shell moves as a unit and spreads an impact over the entire surface of the head, its padding deflecting less.

The protective helmet of the present invention absorbs encountered impacts with the entire reinforced shell assembly and external encountered energy absorbing cooperative system. It further gradually increases the load to the faceguard and the internal padding platform's cooperative system and then the wearer's head.

The present invention provides previously unavailable vector modification to reduce constructive interference. One theory behind the functionality of the present invention is that when an encountered impact occurs, the wave-form(s) (frequencies) will be captured by the reinforced memory return coil(s) apparatus; about every 50 percent of the coil will be reflecting the energy backwards to the source of the encountered impact. Different encountered frequency ranges, such as, but not limited to, helmet to helmet encountered impacts, ground encountered impacts, astro-turf encountered impacts, and other encountered impacts may require different dampening characteristics and or attenuating characteristics. In turn, different reinforced memory return configurations will be needed, such as, but not limited to, wire and/or cable having different gauges, diameters and or heights of the memory return apparatus, spacing, sizes, shapes, and or lengths as needed depending upon the application.

One theory as to the cause of CTE is as follows: Encountered helmet impacts, particularly train impacts, generate highly complex frequencies. Combined with the reflective shape/geometry of the wearer's skull and safety helmet characteristics, the encountered complex frequencies collide and collapse with each other, producing cavitation shockwave effects that generate harmful frequencies. These CTE-generating frequencies, which are generally within the megahertz range and producing vortex angle(s), produce localized molecular cleaving. The encountered frequency collision(s) further create localized high heat, having temperatures in excess of the boiling point of the brain's cells and tissues. This high heat produces localized acidosis, inducing hypoxia, inflammation, cell death and/or partial cell death, which causes scar tissue formation. The resultant scar tissue in the brain, formed of dead and damaged cells, cannot perform their function(s) and create a microenvironment that is predisposed to a variety of cell mutations, promoting pathogen survival and propagation.

From the theory presented above, a significant safety characteristic is that preventing (canceling) the “reinforcing” and/or amplifying frequencies is more important than preventing the initial encountered impact-generated frequency(ies). This is especially significant when attenuating a series of encountered impact waves, due to encountered impacts acting as a train of highly complex waves producing cavitation characteristics rather than as individual waves. CTE, according to this theory, is caused by a narrow and specific frequency range within the megahertz range. That is one reason why the present invention encompasses having tunable characteristics to reduce and/or eliminate the encountered CTE-inducing encountered frequencies and cavitation effects.

Further according to the theory, the encountered CTE-causing impacts that commonly occur while playing football are not generated by the initial encountered impact itself. That impact could be at a frequency lower than the MHz range, but the reverberations (frequencies) that are created may compound themselves like the reinforcement, or action/process of reinforcing or strengthening, of standing waves. This reinforcement would then produce a higher frequency, which can cause the brain damage.

As currently defined, CTE is characterized by regionally-selective neuronal death and deposition of protein tau into neurofibrillary tangles, which have been identified in the brains of several former professional football players, as well as members of the military. A simpler way of expressing the events leading to CTE would be: Real damage occurs when waves collide together causing a cavitation affect, such as when initially created standing waves reinforce each other, carrying the frequency higher. This can happen rapidly, oftentimes on the order of billionths of a second.

The theory presented herein further supports that the frequency range producing a concussion—a temporary reduction in brain cell and tissue pH (transitory acidosis and hypoxia)—is in the kilohertz range. This transitory acidosis and hypoxia temporarily stops cellular communication.

In one aspect, the present invention encompasses apparatuses (e.g., helmets) and related methods for augmenting/attenuating the CTE and concussion frequency ranges into neuro-cellular benign frequency ranges. CTE and concussion vector frequency (waves) are captured and travel through the reinforced memory return attenuating and/or dampening cable, wire coils—rather than through the helmet material—which have vector guiding and canceling characteristics. The waves will also travel at different speeds because they have different frequencies.

The devices and methods of the present invention typically reduce, dampen or eliminate wave frequencies in the megahertz and kilohertz range. In certain cases, the devices and methods reduce, dampen or eliminate at least 90 percent of wave frequencies in the megahertz range. In other cases, the devices and methods reduce, dampen or eliminate at least 80 percent, at least 70 percent, at least 60 percent, at least 50 percent, at least 40 percent, at least 30 percent, at least 20 percent or at least 10 percent of wave frequencies in the megahertz range. In certain cases, the devices and methods reduce, dampen or eliminate at least 90 percent of wave frequencies in the kilohertz range. In other cases, the devices and methods reduce, dampen or eliminate at least 80 percent, at least 70 percent, at least 60 percent, at least 50 percent, at least 40 percent, at least 30 percent, at least 20 percent or at least 10 percent of wave frequencies in the kilohertz range.

In certain cases, the inner surface of the helmet's shell forms a curved plane, and a series of overlapping, continuous, non-touching, non-frequency transferring wire, cable, cable reinforcement “coils” (which are typically capable of producing a 90 degree shift or vector change of the encountered impact frequency (destructive interference)) are arranged in non-touching, overlapping rows to form a curved plane that is typically parallel to the curved plane of the inner surface of the shell.

The amount of filler material, by volume, is typically about the same on either side of the curved plane of the series of non-touching, reinforced, memory return continuous wire, cable coils, such that the curved plane of the series of overlapping, continuous, non-touching “coils” is located in approximately the middle of the helmet's shell. Continuous coils are an oftentimes used configuration, having the dual purpose of serving as a reinforcement and an encountered frequency dampening method and apparatus. In certain cases, the non-touching, reinforced memory return continuous wire, cable coils of the current invention may be integrated into existing helmet systems.

Football helmets typically include a cooperative reinforcement faceguard having an upper side and a lower side. The faceguard has at least one flexible connecting rod affixed proximately to the upper side of the faceguard. The football helmet assembly includes a curved faceguard rod receiving channel (not shown) that is generally parallel to the curved plane of the inner surface of the helmet shell. The curved helmet faceguard receiving channel is adapted to allow at least one flexible, reinforced faceguard connecting rod to be quickly and removably inserted into it so as to removably fasten the faceguard to the helmet receiving assembly.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a football helmet having a low-profile, memory return, reinforced faceguard mounting system having improved configurations. The improved configurations afford a streamlined frontal appearance having a lower recessed faceguard attachment region that extends along a lower extent of opposed peripheral frontal edges. They further provide a continuous one-piece, upper recessed faceguard attachment region that extends along an upper extent of the opposed peripheral frontal edges.

The helmet oftentimes further comprise at least one set of three slidably adjustable ear ports (FIG. 3A). Types of ear ports include a curved upper ear port, a curved middle ear port and a lower curved ear port typically configured in a near vertical, slidably adjustable arrangement. The upper ear port has a curved opening that is larger than the curved, middle ear port and larger than the curved lower ear port. The curved middle ear port has an opening that is larger than the lower ear port (FIG. 3). The helmet typically includes two or more layers that have pentagonal or octagonal configured memory foam pads affixed proximately to the opposing surface of the helmet encased reinforcement, which has an overlapping, continuous, non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable “coils” apparatus. In certain cases, the helmet includes one or more self-adjusting pentagonal or octagonal memory foam platform pads, which may include two or more different layers having different compression and expansion characteristics.

The helmet may include one or more self-adjustable surfaces having rounded or ellipsed dome pads affixed proximately to the opposing helmet resin filler material surfaces of the helmet memory return reinforcement layer (FIG. 4). The filler material typically includes compatible resins or plastics. Nonlimiting examples of filler materials include: polypropylene, polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, polyamides, high density polyethylene, polyesters, polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride.

The outside diameter of each reinforced memory return reinforcing coil or loop composed of memory return wire cables, which are included in safety helmets of the present invention, ranges from about 0.003 inches to about 1.50 inches. The outside diameter is scaled as needed to suit the particular frequency range(s) that need to be attenuated/dampened.

The diameter/gauge of the overlapping, continuous, non-touching memory return reinforcement wire, cable “coils”, which typically produce about a 90 degree shift, or vector change, in the encountered impact frequency (destructive interference), usually ranges from about 0.0012 inches to about 0.250 inches. The diameter of the reinforced, memory return, overlapping, continuous, non-touching, no-frequency transferring wire, cable “coils” oftentimes range from about 0.14 inches to about 0.20 inches. In certain cases, the diameter of the overlapping, continuous, non-touching, non-frequency transferring wire, cable “coils” ranges between about 0.01 inches to about 0.20 inches, scaled as needed. Overlapping, continuous, non-touching “coils” are usually composed of nitinol (i.e., a metal alloy of nickel and titanium where the two elements are present in roughly equal atomic percentages) wire or cable. Nonlimiting examples of other, suitable alloys, include: Ag—Cd 44/49 at. % Cd; Au—Cd 46.5/50 at. % Cd; Cu—Al—Ni 14/14.5 wt % Al and 3/4.5 wt % Ni; Cu—Sn approx. 15 at % Sn; Cu—Zn 38.5/41.5 wt. % Zn; Cu—Zn—X (X=Si, Al, Sn); Fe—Pt approx. 25 at. % Pt; Mn—Cu 5/35 at % Cu; Fe—Mn—Si; Co—Ni—Al; Co—Ni—Ga; Ni—Fe—Ga; Ti—Nb; Ni—Ti approx. 55-60 wt % Ni; Ni—Ti—Hf; Ni—Ti—Pd; Ni—Mn—Ga.

In certain cases, the outer the outer surface of the safety helmet shell comprises one or more openings through which the reinforced memory return wire or cable having overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” are visible and may be inspected. The filler material is typically a suitable transparent bonding material.

The continuous, overlapping, non-touching, reinforcement coils system are usually located proximately to the inner surface of the helmet shell, forming a monolithic helmet assembly. The inner surface of the helmet shell typically and generally forms a curved plane, and the reinforced, continuous, non-touching, overlapping memory return “coils” are typically arranged to form a curved plane that is generally parallel to the curved plane of the inner surface of the helmet shell. The amount by volume of the filler material may be about the same on either side of the curved plane of the encapsulated, continuous, reinforced memory return, non-touching, non-frequency transferring wire, cable overlapping coils (FIG. 5A), such that the curved plane of the continuous non-touching overlapping coils is located in approximately the middle of the resin encapsulating reinforcement layer.

Typically, the helmet further comprises a light-weight face guard having an upper side and a lower side, wherein the face guard has at least one flexible connecting rod affixed proximately to the upper side of the face guard. The basic helmet assembly comprises at least one curved, recessed face guard receiving channel or groove configured in the reinforced helmet connector, having at least 4 removable securements. It additionally has a cooperative padded chin guard securement strap(s) system (FIG. 3 B), having an ellipse receiving arch that is configured to have a faster and wider range of adjustments for different jaw and chins sizes and configurations. The strap is adjusted and, as needed, adapted to receive into and connect to an edge portion of a faceguard bar section, to the front receiving channel of the helmet shell. It oftentimes has quick removable connectors, adapted to receive and be quickly connected and removed, with the faceguard(s) to the helmet.

Optionally, the present invention provides a separate faceguard system connected to at least both sides of the helmet receiving edge by face guard connectors, each cooperative faceguard system and connectors being adapted to substantially and directionally distribute and attenuate/dampen (nullify) a wide range of encountered impact generated frequencies, force or forces exerted upon the cooperative face guard system. This transfers the encountered impacts to the entire attenuating helmet system (FIGS. 6A, B and C). A further feature of this aspect of the present invention is that each individual frequency canceling from the cooperating components is the synergistic combination of the memory return reinforced safety helmet shell characteristics and the faceguard(s)'s memory return reinforced characteristics and memory foam pad platforms, cooperatively combined with the chinguard securement system (FIG. 3B).

The helmet simultaneous increases and improves the wearer's sunlight shading and thus improving the wearer's visibility. By improving the shape of the faceguard bars to a more oval configuration (not shown) helps to cooperatively displace encountered impact frequency forces and also helps shield sunlight, serving as a louvered sun visor. Preferably, the faceguard is designed and manufactured having a one-piece receiving and attachment configuration, and the helmet and faceguard meet helmet regulations, as they function as a single monolithic piece system. The faceguards are typically composed of memory return alloys and pre-engineered spacing resins to obtain non-frequency transference.

The football helmet preferably includes a padded cooperative chin protector (FIG. 3), having two sides and at least two flexible members associated with each side of the cooperative memory foam padded chin protector. The at least two flexible members are adapted to engage with one of the memory foam padded chin protector connectors on the sides of the helmet shell. The cooperative chin guard strap safety system engaging in the receiving and guiding ellipse arch is configured to provide a wider range of chin, jaw fitting (engaging) and protection characteristics as compared to current systems. It can also be adjusted faster and easier over a range of adjustments.

The present invention further includes other transportable, encountered impact safety equipment. Nonlimiting examples of such equipment include: shoulder pads, chin pads, hip pads, shin pads, gloves, chest pads, elbow pads, knee pads, boots, shoes, elbow pads, etc., as used when participating in the sport(s) of football, baseball, motocross, hockey, motorcycling, and other sports where head and/or body impact is experienced.

In one aspect, the current invention encompasses methods of manufacturing high performance, transportable, reinforced ballistic helmets and other safety equipment, e.g., armored and/or multi-layered memory foam platforms. The platforms preferably have three different compressive layers having a variety of encountered impact canceling and protective pads. Nonlimiting examples of items that may include this technology are: boots, shoes, neck pads, throat pads, etc.

The reinforced, monolithic safety helmet(s) of the present invention, more specifically American style tackle football safety helmets, have at least the following advantages over current helmets: protection against a wide variety of injuries, including short and long term brain injuries (e.g., CTE), resulting from encountered impact generated forces and generated frequencies exerted upon the helmet and/or faceguard; a faceguard suitable for playing football, hockey, etc., which is lighter weight, has a lower overall profile, is more protective, and is more form fitting than currently used faceguards; easier for the wearer of the helmet to put on and take off, and may minimize irritation to a player's ears.

The present invention encompasses a reinforced memory return safety helmet (a one piece (unitary) helmet and integrated faceguard) (FIG. 3). It further encompasses a lighter weight, monolithic reinforced faceguard having improved finger protection and encountered impact frequency force capturing characteristics. The helmet and integrated faceguard have improved finger protection and encountered impact frequency force capturing characteristics due to memory return reinforcement; it further has encountered frequency attenuating geometries that provide a wider range of encountered impact force canceling characteristics.

Apparatuses of the present invention have “frequency” capturing and vector changing characteristics that reduce frequency transfer. This improves the overall safety and canceling performances of safety helmets in general and more specifically American style tackle football helmets.

In another aspect of the present invention, an encountered memory return reinforced impact attenuating capturing and controlling device for use in a safety helmet(s) is provided. The device includes: a memory return, reinforced configuration positioned in response to the encountered impact(s); an angle α is between about 45 degrees and about 155 degrees, with about 90 degrees being preferred. The encountered memory return reinforced impact attenuating apparatus is configured to receive and transmit impulse(s) that alternate between the forward position and the rearward position.

The prior art does not consider cooperatively integrating multi-layered memory foam platform pads that functionally cooperate as integrated encountered impact canceling components. The cooperative jaw pad has two or more frequency force canceling memory foam layers with a preferred density range of at least about 5 pounds per cubic foot and at least about 25% compression deflection of 8 about pounds per square inch.

The current invention furthermore comprises a cooperative padded jaw pad removably attached to an inner surface of the jaw flap. The jaw pad has two or more frequency force canceling memory foam layers with a surface fitting, engaging and comfort memory foam layer having a density of at least 0.10 to 0.40 pounds per cubic foot and at least a 25% compression deflection of about 0.10 pounds per square inch or as needed. It further comprises a jaw pad (FIGS. 4 A, B, and C) removably attached to an inner surface of the jaw flap. The jaw pad has three or more memory return layers composing a pre-engineered energy management platform having three different memory foam layers with different compression and return characteristics for nullifying the encountered forces and frequencies. Each has different compression and return (expansion) characteristics, as needed, with a density of at least about 5 pounds per cubic foot and at least a 25% compression deflection of about 8 pounds per square inch. The jaw pad further has a multi-layer memory foam comfort layer having different characteristics as needed, and the means for engaging consists of a first angled lower edge segment intersecting a second angled lower edge segment. The jaw pad apparatus (FIG. 3B) has a front edge that is positioned both in front of a coronal plane and below a basic plane of the head of a wearer of the safety helmet apparatus.

The helmet oftentimes encompasses a viewing window apparatus (FIG. 7 A). The device comprises an initial or first recessed surface for revealing, and the viewing window apparatus device comprises an initial or first recessed surface for revealing a hologram. The viewing window apparatus device comprises an initial or first recessed surface for reveals logo(s) (FIG. 7E), bar code(s), serial numbers, date cods, QR code(s) (FIG. 7D), memory return reinforcements coils (7C), memory return reinforcements mesh (7B), memory return reinforcements materials, laminate(s), or any combination therein.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a cooperative adjustable safety helmet liner apparatus for a protective safety helmet. The helmet has an encountered impact frequency and force canceling and attenuating multi-layered memory return foam safety helmet lining apparatus that improves moisture wicking action. The lining apparatus comprises a first surface made of flexible high polymer resin and a second surface made of flexible high polymer resin. The second surface is in at least partially coextensive relation to the first surface to define a cavity. The coextensive relation defines opposing, corresponding portions of the first and second platform surfaces. A plurality of encountered frequency impact force canceling multi-layered memory foam helmet lining apparatus support members. The members comprise an externally directed ellipsed dome in the first surfaces, extending out of the encountered frequency impact force canceling multi-layered memory foam helmet lining apparatus in each of the platform first surfaces having a generally ellipsed dome shape and an outwardly facing ellipsed dome. There are further multiple layers of different viscoelastic foams substantially overlaying the first surface, and an enclosure surrounding the first surface, the second surface and the foam multi-layer platform frequency force canceling multi-layered memory foam helmet lining apparatus (FIG. 4). Additionally present are a substantially planar surface opposite the outwardly facing ellipsed dome surface with a polygon/pentagon section joining each wall to the substantially planar surface (FIG. 4A).

The safety helmet(s) are designed for a variety of different uses. Nonlimiting examples of such uses include: motorcycle riding; American style tackle football; hockey; baseball; lacrosse; polo; ballistic helmets; construction safety; driving racecars; piloting aircraft. The helmets can be designated, for example, for the following: motorcycle riding; American style tackle football; hockey; baseball; lacrosse; polo; ballistic helmets; construction safety; driving racecars; piloting aircraft.

In another aspect, an encountered impact attenuating reinforced memory return wire or cable controlling apparatus and device for use in a safety helmet(s) is provided. The symbiotic cooperative device comprises: a reinforced memory return wire or cable encountered impact attenuating control apparatus device or devices, wherein an angle α is formed between the reinforced memory return wire or cable component. Initial angle α is between about 6 degrees and about 45 degrees. The reinforced memory return wire or cable is configured to receive (capture) and transmit encountered frequencies (impulses) to the reinforced memory return wire or cable apparatus that alternate between the forward position and the rearward position. The encountered frequencies (impulse(s)) have a component perpendicular to the encountered impacts axis of the reinforced memory return wire or cable apparatus of the safety helmet(s), wherein the angle α is between about 100 degrees and about 180 degrees. The memory return reinforcement is housed in a safety helmet(s), and the reinforcement is curved (coiled), and the angle α is between about 100 degrees and about 150 degrees. The memory return reinforcement is housed in a shell of a helmet(s), and the mass of the memory return reinforcement is less than the mass of the helmet plastic. The ratio of memory return reinforcement mass to helmet mass is approximately 25 to about 1 in certain cases and approximately 20 to about 1 in others.

Preferably, the reinforcement is housed in a shell of a helmet(s), encompassing a wide variety of frequency and force attenuating reinforcement apparatuses that are articulated so that the displacement of encountered impacts results in a frequency and force component outside the encountered impact vector axis of the encountered impact of the helmet(s). The encountered helmet impact vector frequency and force memory return attenuating control device(s) can be incorporated into a wide variety of safety helmet(s) having a variety of masses, sizes, and memory return characteristics and configurations to produce significant encountered impact(s) reduction.

The memory return reinforcements attenuate the encountered impact(s) highly non-linear system(s) derived from their tunable dynamic response, encompassing linear, and weakly nonlinear, and strongly nonlinear encountered impact(s) characteristics and regimes. The methods and apparatuses control the varying static and dynamic encountered impact load(s), attenuates the propagation of highly nonlinear solitary waves of these encountered impact generated waves, including the traveling pulse width, wave speed, including a number of separated pulses (singular or train of pulses) decreasing and adjusts constructive interference, etc. They are captured and controlled by a variety of memory return reinforcement(s) as disclosed herein, having wave guiding, overlapping, continuous, non-touching, non-frequency transferring wire and/or cable “coils” “loops” modifying one or many of the encountered vector impact parameters. Examples of such parameters include, without limitation: static and dynamic force amplitudes; the type and duration of the initial encountered impact excitation encountered or applied to the memory return coil or cable reinforcement system(s), and/or the periodicity of the overlapping continuous non-touching memory return “coils” having the ability to capture, control, and guide the encountered highly complex vector waves (frequency) scaled as needed depending upon application, including the collective encountered frequency (vibrations) controlling the dynamic response of the frequency canceling system(s); the vector re-formation of reflected solitary waves propagating back from the reinforcement's interface, which are responsive to the overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire and or cable “coils” geometric configurations and novel memory return material properties and the helmet's adjoining media; an encountered impact reinforcement attenuating apparatus preferably having alloys of nitinol reinforcement devices and apparatuses, wherein the reinforcement continuous overlapping non-touching wire and or cable “coils” diameters range from about 0.110 inches to about 0.750 inches including the outer diameter (“O.D.”), generally ranging between 0.100 to 0.650 inches O.D.; and an encountered impact memory return reinforcement attenuating apparatus having material composed of continuous coiled non touching overlapping alloys of nitinol material, wherein said helmet layer of filler or bonding material comprises synthetic plastic material, and a reinforcement encountered impact canceling apparatus preferably having reinforcement materials composed of coiled alloys of nitinol wire or cable.

The current invention encompasses encountered impact reinforcement attenuating methods and apparatuses having material composed of memory return materials, wherein the diameter of each wire or cable is in the range of from about 0.001 to about 0.250 inches, and an encountered impact reinforcement attenuating apparatus having material composed of non-touching overlapping coiled wire or cable memory return reinforced materials, wherein the gauge/thickness of each wire or cable is in the range of from about 0.01 to about 0.250 inches.

In another aspect of the present invention, a reinforcement encountered impact canceling apparatus is provided having memory return materials preferably composed of non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable continuous overlapping coiled nitinol materials, wherein said helmet shell filler or bonding materials comprises synthetic plastic material selected from the group consisting of linear low density polyethylene, ionomers, polyvinyl chloride, ethyl vinyl acetate, ethyl propyl copolymers, polyethylene copolymers, low density polyethylene, their copolymers, vinyl copolymers and mixtures thereof linear low density polyethylene, ionomers, polyvinyl chloride, ethyl vinyl acetate, ethyl propyl copolymers, polyethylene copolymers, low density polyethylene, their copolymers, vinyl copolymers polyolefin, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene, polyurethane, and burlap.

The encountered impact force and frequency attenuation helmet system is designed for a variety of activities where head impact can be expected. Nonlimiting examples of these activities include: American style tackle football; motorcycle riding; motorcycle racing; playing baseball; lacrosse; polo; hockey; ballistic helmets; driving racecars; piloting aircraft; and, construction safety.

Optionally, the helmet of the present invention comprises a variety of scaled, coiled attenuating apparatuses, wherein the helmet comprises alloys of nitinol in the form of a wide variety of meshes (FIG. 7 B), or a reinforced memory return attenuating apparatus, wherein the helmet may comprise a woven, reinforced memory return attenuating apparatus (FIGS. 7 B and C). The configuration of the reinforced memory return attenuation apparatus contains overlapping continuous non-touching, non-frequency transferring wire and or cable “coils” encased in plastic or plastics. The configuration of the reinforced memory return attenuation apparatus contains overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable “coils” encased plastic or plastics for playing American football. The configuration of the reinforced memory return attenuation apparatus contains overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” encased in plastic or plastics for motorcycle riding. The configuration of the reinforced memory return attenuation apparatus contains overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable “coils” encased in plastic or plastics for playing baseball. The configuration of the reinforced memory return recoil attenuation apparatus contains overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” encased in plastic or plastics for playing hockey. The configuration of the reinforced memory return attenuation apparatus contains reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” encased in plastic or plastics for playing lacrosse. The configuration of the reinforced memory return attenuation apparatus contains reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” encased in plastic or plastics for playing polo. The configuration of the reinforced memory return attenuation apparatus contains reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” encased in plastic or plastics for construction safety. The configuration of the reinforced memory return attenuation apparatus contains reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” encased in plastic or plastics for ballistic helmets. The configuration of the reinforced memory return attenuation apparatus contains reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” encased in plastic or plastics for driving racecars. The configuration of the reinforced memory return attenuation apparatus contains reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” encased in plastic or plastics for piloting aircraft.

The encountered impact reinforced memory return attenuating apparatus device includes the configuration of the reinforced memory return attenuation apparatus where it contains nitinol mesh reinforced memory return encased in plastic or plastics. The reinforced memory return configuration of the reinforced memory return attenuation apparatus contains mesh reinforced memory return encased in plastic or plastics for playing American style tackle football. The reinforced memory return configuration of the reinforced memory return attenuation apparatus contains mesh reinforced memory return encased in plastic or plastics for playing American style tackle football.

The configuration of the reinforced memory return attenuation apparatus contains mesh configurations encased in plastic or plastics for motorcycle riding. The configuration of the reinforced memory return attenuation apparatus contains mesh configurations encased in plastic or plastics for playing baseball. The configuration of the reinforced memory return attenuation apparatus contains reinforced memory return mesh configurations encased in plastic or plastics for playing hockey. The configuration of the reinforced memory return attenuation apparatus contains mesh encased in plastic or plastics for playing lacrosse. The configuration of the reinforced memory return attenuation apparatus contains reinforced memory return mesh configurations encased in plastic or plastics for playing polo. The configuration of the reinforced memory return attenuation apparatus contains reinforced memory return mesh configurations encased in plastic or plastics for construction safety. The configuration of the reinforced memory return attenuation apparatus contains reinforced memory return mesh configurations encased in plastic or plastics for ballistic helmets. The configuration of the reinforced memory return attenuation apparatus contains reinforced memory return mesh configurations encased in plastic or plastics for driving racecars. The configuration of the reinforced memory return attenuation apparatus contains reinforced memory return mesh configurations encased in plastic or plastics for piloting aircraft.

The configuration of the reinforced memory return attenuation apparatus contains woven nitinol reinforced memory return materials encased in plastic or plastics. The configuration of the encountered impact attenuation apparatus contains woven nitinol reinforced memory return materials encased in plastic or plastics for playing American style football. The configuration of the encountered impact attenuation apparatus contains woven nitinol reinforced memory return materials encased in plastic or plastics for motorcycle riding. The configuration of the encountered impact attenuation apparatus contains woven nitinol reinforced memory return materials encased in plastic or plastics for playing baseball. The configuration of the encountered impact attenuation apparatus contains woven nitinol reinforced memory return materials encased in plastic or plastics for playing hockey. The configuration of the encountered impact attenuation apparatus contains woven nitinol reinforced memory return materials encased in plastic or plastics for playing lacrosse. The configuration of the encountered impact attenuation apparatus contains woven nitinol reinforced memory return materials encased in plastic or plastics for playing polo. The configuration of the encountered impact attenuation apparatus contains woven nitinol reinforced memory return materials encased in plastic or plastics for construction safety. The configuration of the encountered impact attenuation apparatus contains woven nitinol reinforced memory return materials encased in plastic or plastics for ballistic helmets. The configuration of the encountered impact attenuation apparatus contains woven nitinol reinforced memory return materials encased in plastic or plastics for driving racecars. The configuration of the encountered impact attenuation apparatus contains woven nitinol reinforced memory return materials encased in plastic or plastics for piloting aircraft.

The reinforced memory return helmet(s) significantly attenuates/dampens frequency and force from one or more encountered impacts. The ratio of reinforcement memory return materials to helmet mass typically ranges from about 1.0 to about 20.0, more preferably from about 1.0 to about 10.0, where the safety helmet(s) is designed for American style football.

The ratio of reinforcement memory return materials to helmet mass typically ranges from about 1.0 to about 20.0, more preferably from about 1.0 to about 10.0, where the safety helmet(s) is designed for motorcycle riding.

The reinforced memory return mesh configuration angle α typically ranges from about 90 degrees to about 180 degrees. In some cases the angle α ranges from about 100 degrees to about 160 degrees, while in others the angle α ranges from about 100 degrees to about 150 degrees. The configuration of the reinforced memory return and the encountered impact is typically set so that the reinforced memory return impulse transmitted from the encountered impact(s) to the reinforced memory return system is in a longitudinal component of the encountered impact. The reinforced memory return attenuating method and apparatus system is typically housed in a face guard, further comprising a cast resin filler or bonding structure, wherein the reinforced memory return method and apparatus system is housed in a resin filler or bonding molded or cast reinforced memory return structure.

In another aspect of the present invention, a reinforced memory return helmet attenuating control method and apparatus mesh configurations device for use in a helmet(s) is provided. The device system comprises: an encountered impact force and frequency attenuating controlling devices as disclosed herein.

Preferably, the encountered reinforced memory return impact attenuating control mesh configurations and method and apparatus device is housed in a shell of a reinforced memory return helmet(s), and encompasses a wide variety of reinforced memory return force attenuating methods and apparatuses that are articulated so that the displacement of encountered impacts results in a vector force component outside the encountered impact axis of the encountered impact of the helmet(s). The reinforced memory return encountered impact force attenuating coil control device(s) can be encompassed into a wide variety of protective safety helmet(s) systems of a variety of sizes, weights, and configurations to produce encountered impact reduction systems.

The reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” “loops” systems attenuate the encountered impact(s) and highly non-linear system(s) derived from reinforced memory return tunable dynamic response. These encompass linear, weakly nonlinear, and strongly nonlinear vector frequency(ies) regimes, having methods and apparatuses for controlling the varying static and dynamic encountered load(s).

Reinforced memory return systems attenuate the propagation of highly nonlinear solitary waves of the encountered impact waves, including traveling pulse width, wave speeds, further including a number of separated pulses (singular or train of pulses), etc. They are controlled by the reinforced memory return “coils,” thus modifying one or many of the encountered impact parameters, such as the encountered static and dynamic vector force amplitudes, the type and duration of the initial encountered excitation (encountered impact or impacts) applied to the reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire and or cable “coils” “loops” apparatus and system(s), and/or the periodicity. The reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” have the ability to capture and control the encountered frequency “wave” properties, such as in the disclosed and discussed coils. Wave properties further include the collective frequency vibrations of the reinforcement(s) memory return alloys' dimensions, material properties and characteristics including static and dynamic force amplitude, the type and duration of the initial encountered impact (excitation) properties methods and apparatuses for controlling the dynamic response of the current invention reinforced memory return systems methods and apparatuses having highly complex attenuating system(s). They also include the re-formation of reflected solitary waves propagating back from the interface, which are sensitive to the overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable “coils” “loops” geometric configurations and material properties of their adjoining media.

Preferably, the reinforced memory return controlling device comprises alloys of nitinol reinforcement configured in “coils,” “rings,” “hoops” composed of alloys of nitinol material. The helmet filler or bonding material typically comprises synthetic alloys of nitinol material. In certain cases, the reinforced memory return controlling device comprises coiled alloys of nitinol wire or cable materials, where each matrix is of a nitinol wire or cable materials coiled alloys of nitinol materials.

Preferably the bonding material comprises synthetic plastic material selected from the group consisting of linear low density polyethylene, ionomers, polyvinyl chloride, ethyl vinyl acetate, ethyl propyl copolymers, polyethylene copolymers, low density polyethylene, their copolymers, vinyl copolymers and mixtures thereof linear low density polyethylene, ionomers, polyvinyl chloride, ethyl vinyl acetate, ethyl propyl copolymers, polyethylene copolymers, low density polyethylene, their copolymers, vinyl copolymers polyolefin, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene, polyurethane, or other natural or hybrid materials and mixtures thereof.

The reinforced memory return controlling devices of the present invention optionally may, for example, include one or more of the following coiled memory return allows: Ag—Cd 44/49 at. % Cd; Au—Cd 46.5/50 at. % Cd; Cu—Al—Ni 14/14.5 wt % Al and 3/4.5 wt % Ni; Cu—Sn approx. 15 at % Sn; Cu—Zn 38.5/41.5 wt. % Zn; Cu—Zn—X (X=Si, Al, Sn); Fe—Pt approx. 25 at. % Pt; Mn—Cu 5/35 at % Cu; Fe—Mn—Si; Co—Ni—Al; Co—Ni—Ga; Ni—Fe—Ga; Ti—Nb; Ni—Ti approx. 55-60 wt % Ni; Ni—Ti—Hf; Ni—Ti—Pd; Ni—Mn—Ga, where alloys of nitinol are most preferred. The reinforced memory return controlling devices of the present invention optionally may include stainless steel and/or coiled carbon fibers and/or graphene “coils” loops and hoops

A memory return reinforcement encountered impact attenuating method and apparatus of the present invention have suitable materials composed of overlapping coiled material (FIGS. 8 A and B). The thickness of each filler or bonding layer typically ranges from about 0.50 to about 0.80 inches. Preferably, the layer of filler or bonding material comprises synthetic plastic or other materials or mixtures thereof. Reinforcement encountered impact attenuating methods and apparatuses typically include material composed of memory return material, wherein the thickness of each filler or bonding layer ranges from about 0.20 to about 0.50 inches. The present invention is further directed to an integrative encountered impact memory return reinforcement canceling method and apparatus having material composed of reinforced memory return materials.

The helmet shell typically includes at least one slidably adjustable, venting port or opening (not shown), which can be located generally in the crown or proximate thereto.

The present invention encompasses memory return reinforcement systems preferably having overlapping, continuous, non-touching, non-frequency transferring wire, cable “coils” “loops” “rings” configurations that capture and attenuate encountered impact(s). It particularly attenuates highly non-linear system(s) derived from their tunable dynamic response, encompassing linear, weakly nonlinear and strongly nonlinear encountered impact(s) vector regimes, and controls the varying static and dynamic encountered load(s).

The present system, methods and apparatuses predictably attenuate the propagation of highly nonlinear solitary waves (HNSWs). The discreteness of the system makes the memory return reinforcement(s) granular (alloy) system highly tunable. Additionally, the propagation properties of these encountered impact waves, such as the traveling pulse width, vectors, wave speeds, further including number of separated pulses (singular or train of pulses), etc., may be nullified by memory return reinforcement(s).

The reinforcing memory return alloy's dimensions, material properties and characteristics, include static and dynamic vector forces amplitude, the type and duration of the initial encountered helmet impact (excitation) properties in the memory return reinforcement(s) “chains” as point masses connected by nonlinear Hertzian springs.

The memory return reinforcement apparatuses capture encountered impacts that share many features of the 3-dimensional elastic memory return alloys' dimensions. Novel memory return material properties and characteristics include static and dynamic force amplitude, the type and duration of the initial encountered impact (excitation) properties, the local deformation of the memory return reinforcement particles (alloys) in the vicinity of the encountered impact contact point(s), the corresponding changes in the contact area, and the collective vibrations of the memory return reinforcement(s) memory return alloys' dimensions, modifications of the static and dynamic force amplitudes, including the type and duration from the initial point(s) of encountered impact(s) (excitation). The specific memory return properties, geometries, and orientations provide additional design parameters for capturing and controlling and nullifying the encountered impact frequency and their highly complex reflective amplification characteristics as disclosed herein.

The present invention's tunable and compact nature regarding memory return captured waves can be used to tailor the properties of HNSW's for specific safety helmet applications, such as information carriers for actuation and sensing of mechanical properties and boundary effects of the adjoining media in Non-Destructive Evaluation and Structural Health Monitoring.

The devices and methods of the present invention lessen the risk of concussion or CTE resulting from repeated head impact. CTE, for example, results from many head impacts. The damage from each head impact accumulates—similar to radiation exposure—until disease symptoms are observable. The current devices and methods reduce head/brain damage over each impact, reducing damage accumulation and accordingly the risk of CTE.

The memory return reinforced safety helmet methods and apparatuses according to any claim encompass multi-dimensional integrative cooperative encountered impact dampening components comprising cooperative components of memory return reinforced safety helmets, the reinforced memory return faceguard, a multi-layered memory foam liner, and a memory foam chin guard and strap that cooperatively redirects and alters the encountered vector angle about 90 degrees as disclosed herein.

The memory return reinforced safety helmet methods and apparatuses according to any claim encompass multi-dimensional integrative cooperative encountered impact dampening components comprising cooperative components of memory return reinforced safety helmets, the reinforced memory return faceguard, a multi-layered memory foam liner, and a memory foam chin guard and strap that cooperatively captures and attenuates the encountered frequency range(s) disclosed herein.

A reinforced memory return safety helmet method and apparatus according to any claim that redirects and alters the encountered Vector angle between about 80 to 110 degrees.

A reinforced memory return faceguard method and apparatus according to any claim that redirects and alters the encountered Vector angle between about 80 to 110 degrees.

A multi-layered memory foam liner method and apparatus according to any claim that cooperatively nullifies the vector angle.

A memory foam chin guard and strap method and apparatus according to any claim that cooperatively nullifies the vector angle.

A reinforced memory return safety helmet method and apparatus according to any claim captures and attenuates the encountered frequency range.

A reinforced memory return faceguard method and apparatus according to any claim captures and attenuates the encountered frequency range.

A multi-layered memory foam liner method and apparatus according to any claim nullifies the encountered frequency range.

A memory foam chin guard and strap method and apparatus according to any claim nullifies the encountered frequency range.

A reinforced and encountered impact attenuating safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim comprising altering the angular frequencies of the encountered impacts.

A reinforced and encountered impact attenuating safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim comprising: a memory return reinforced shell configured to receive a head of a wearer of the helmet, the monolithic cast shell comprising an outer surface and an inner surface; a series of linked overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable “coils” “loops”; filler material; wherein the series of linked overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable “coils” “loops” are entirely encased within the filler material to form a memory return reinforcement apparatus, the surface of the memory return reinforcement generally facing toward the inner surface of the helmet shell, the memory return reinforcement layer being located proximate the inner edge or surface of the shell, forming a safety helmet assembly.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the inner surface of the memory return reinforced shell generally forms a curved plane, and wherein the series of linked continuous wire, cable “coils” “loops” are arranged in non-touching non-frequency transferring overlapping rows to form a curved plane that is generally parallel to the curved plane of the inner surface of the safety helmet shell.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the series of continuous wire, cable “coils” “loops” overlapping memory return reinforced “coils” “loops” may be configured to overlap each other between one to five overlaps; two or three “coils” “loops” overlaps being preferred.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the number of overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable reinforced memory return wire, cable “coils” “loops” that overlap ranges from 1 to 10 overlaps.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the number of overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable reinforced memory return “coils” “loops” that overlap ranges from 4 to 5 overlaps.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the inner surface of the memory return reinforced shell generally forms a curved plane, and wherein the series of linked continuous wire, cable “coils” “loops” providing the dual purpose of serving as a reinforcement and an encountered frequency dampening method and apparatus.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim wherein the non-touching reinforced memory return continuous wire, cable coils of the current invention may be integrated in to existing helmet systems.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the amount by volume of the filler material is about the same on either side of the curved plane of the series of memory return reinforced linked non-touching non-frequency transferring continuous overlapping wire, cable coils, such that the curved plane of the series of linked overlapping continuous non-touching wire, cable “coils” “loops” is located in approximately the middle of the memory return reinforcement layer.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the encountered impact reinforcement attenuating method and apparatus having material composed of non-touching non-frequency transferring overlapping memory return materials, wherein the gauge/thickness of each reinforcing wire or cable is in the range of from about 0.005 to about 0.250 inches.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the encountered impact reinforcement attenuating method and apparatus having material composed of non-touching and non-frequency transferring overlapping memory return reinforced materials, wherein the outside diameter of each reinforced memory return reinforcing coil or loop composed of memory return wire or cables is in the range of from about 0.003 inches to about 1.50 inches.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, further comprising a memory return reinforced face guard having an upper side and a lower side, wherein the face guard has at least one flexible memory return reinforced connecting rod affixed proximate the edge of the face guard, wherein the safety helmet assembly comprises at least one curved receiving channel that is generally parallel to the curved plane of the edge of the helmet shell, wherein the curved receiving channel is adapted to allow the at least one memory return reinforced flexible faceguard connecting rod to be removably inserted into the curved helmet receiving channel so as to fasten the memory return reinforced face guard to the safety helmet assembly.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, further comprising at least one set of three slidably adjustable arched ear ports, the at least one set of three ear ports comprising an upper ear port, a middle ear port, and a lower ear port configured generally in a slightly arched vertical slidably adjustable arrangement, the upper slightly arched ear port having a slightly arched opening that is larger than the middle ear port and larger than the slightly arched lower ear port, and the middle ear port having a slightly arched opening that is larger than the slightly arched lower ear port.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, further comprising one or more adjustable pentagonal or octagonal memory foam platform pads affixed proximate the opposing surface of the helmet reinforcement layer.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the one or more adjustable pentagonal or octagonal memory foam platform pads comprised of three or more different layers.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim comprising encountered energy management structure platforms that are composed of three different memory foam layers having three different density response compression and return characteristics; the lightest memory return layer (ellipsed dome and first layer) being in contact with the head of the wearer, the firmest memory return layer being preferably located in the middle of the platform; the mid-grade memory return layer being located against and secure to the helmet shell.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, further comprising one or more self-adjusting engagement having rounded or ellipse dome platform pads affixed proximate the opposing surface of the memory foam layered platform.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the memory return reinforced filler material is comprised of resin or plastic.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the filler material is selected from the list of: polypropylene, polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, polyamides, high density polyethylene, polyesters, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride.

The safety helmet method and apparatus having material composed of memory return material, wherein the thickness of each filler or bonding layer is in the range of from about 0.05 to 0.50 inches, and an integrative encountered impact memory return reinforcement dampening method and apparatus having material composed of reinforced memory return materials as needed.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the diameter of the overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable reinforced memory return “coils” “loops” range from about 0.25 inches to about 3 inches.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the diameter of the overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable reinforced memory return “coils” “loops” range from about 0.05 inches to about 1.5 inches.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the diameter of the overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable reinforced memory return “coils” “loops” range from about 0.4 inches to about 1.2 inches.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable “coils” “loops” are comprised of alloys of nitinol.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable “coils” “loops” are comprised of memory return metals or memory return alloys.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable “coils” “loops” are comprised of Ag—Cd 44/49 at. % Cd.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable “coils” “loops” are comprised of Au—Cd 46.5/50 at. % Cd.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable “coils” “loops” are comprised of Cu—Al—Ni 14/14.5 wt % Al and 3/4.5 wt % Ni.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable “coils” “loops” are comprised of Cu—Sn approx. 15 at % Sn.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable “coils” “loops” are comprised of Cu—Zn 38.5/41.5 wt. % Zn.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable “coils” “loops” are comprised of Cu—Zn—X (X=Si, Al, Sn).

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable “coils” “loops” are comprised of Fe—Pt approx. 25 at. % Pt.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable “coils” “loops” are comprised of Mn—Cu 5/35 at % Cu.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable “coils” “loops” are comprised of Fe—Mn—Si.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable “coils” “loops” are comprised of Co—Ni—Al.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable “coils” “loops” are comprised of Co—Ni—Ga.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable “coils” “loops” are comprised of Ni—Fe—Ga.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable “coils” “loops” are comprised of Ti—Nb.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable “coils” “loops” are comprised of Ni—Ti approx. 55-60 wt % Ni.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable “coils” “loops” are comprised of Ni—Ti—Hf.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable “coils” “loops” are comprised of Ni—Ti—Pd.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable “coils” “loops” are comprised of Ni—Mn—Ga.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the outer surface of the shell comprises one or more openings through which the reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring nitinol wire, cable “coils” “loops” are visible.

A reinforced and encountered impact frequency capturing and attenuating safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim comprising: a reinforced memory return shell configured to receive a head of a wearer of the helmet, the reinforced memory return shell comprising an outer surface and an inner surface alloys of nitinol in a mesh or weave configurations; filler material; wherein the nitinol alloy mesh or weave configurations is entirely encased within the filler material to form a memory return reinforcement apparatus, the alloys of nitinol memory return reinforcement layer being located proximate to the center of the shell, forming a safety helmet assembly.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the inner surface of the memory return reinforced shell generally forms a curved plane, and wherein the alloys of nitinol having mesh geometries is arranged to form a curved plane that is generally parallel to the curved plane of the inner surface of the shell.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the amount by volume of the filler material is about the same on either side of the curved plane of the memory return reinforced alloys of nitinol having mesh geometries, such that the curved plane of the alloys of nitinol memory return reinforcing mesh is located in approximately the middle of the helmet shell.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, further comprising alloys of nitinol memory return reinforced face guard apparatus having an upper side and a lower side, wherein the alloys of nitinol reinforced face guard have at least one flexible connecting rod affixed proximate the upper side of the face guard, wherein the safety helmet assembly comprises at least one curved receiving channel that is generally parallel to the curved plane of the inner surface of the shell, wherein the curved receiving channel is adapted to allow the at least one alloys of nitinol reinforced connecting rod to be removably inserted into the curved receiving channel so as to fasten the alloys of nitinol reinforced face guard to the safety helmet assembly.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, further comprising one or more self-engagement pentagonal or octagonal three or more layered memory foam platform pads affixed proximate the opposing surface of the inside helmet layer.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the one or more self-adjusting/engaging pentagonal or octagonal multi-layered memory foam platform pads are comprised of three or more different compression and return layers.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, further comprising one or more self-adjustable platforms having different compression and return characteristics configured in rounded or ellipse platform tops affixed proximate the opposing surface of the helmet shell.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the wire, cable reinforcement is in the form of mesh and comprised of alloys of nitinol.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the wire, cable reinforcement is in the form of mesh and comprised of memory return metals or memory return alloys.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the wire, cable reinforcement is in the form of mesh and comprised of Ag—Cd 44/49 at. % Cd.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the wire, cable reinforcement is in the form of mesh and comprised of Au—Cd 46.5/50 at. % Cd.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the wire, cable reinforcement is in the form of mesh and comprised of Cu—Al—Ni 14/14.5 wt % Al and 3/4.5 wt % Ni.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the wire, cable reinforcement is in the form of mesh and comprised of Cu—Sn approx. 15 at % Sn.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the wire, cable reinforcement is in the form of mesh and comprised of Cu—Zn 38.5/41.5 wt. % Zn.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the wire, cable reinforcement is in the form of mesh and comprised of Cu—Zn—X (X=Si, Al, Sn).

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the wire, cable reinforcement is in the form of mesh and comprised of Fe—Pt approx. 25 at. % Pt.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the wire, cable reinforcement is in the form of mesh and comprised of Mn—Cu 5/35 at % Cu.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the wire, cable reinforcement is in the form of mesh and comprised of Fe—Mn—Si.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the wire, cable reinforcement is in the form of mesh and comprised of Co—Ni—Al.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the wire, cable reinforcement is in the form of mesh and comprised of Co—Ni—Ga.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the wire, cable reinforcement is in the form of mesh and comprised of Ni—Fe—Ga.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the wire, cable reinforcement is in the form of mesh and comprised of Ti—Nb.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the wire, cable reinforcement is in the form of mesh and comprised of Ni—Ti approx. 55-60 wt % Ni.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the wire, cable reinforcement is in the form of mesh and comprised of Ni—Ti—Hf.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the wire, cable reinforcement is in the form of mesh and comprised of Ni—Ti—Pd.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the wire, cable reinforcement is in the form of mesh and comprised of Ni—Mn—Ga.

A reinforced and encountered impact canceling safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim comprising: a memory return reinforced shell and reinforced alloys of nitinol reinforcement configured to receive a head of a wearer of the helmet, the shell comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface of the shell generally forming a curved plane, to form a monolithic safety helmet assembly; alloys of nitinol memory return reinforced removable interchangeable safety face guard having an upper side and a lower side; wherein the alloys of nitinol memory return reinforced face guard has at least one memory return reinforced flexible connecting rod affixed proximate the upper edge of the memory return reinforced face guard; wherein the alloys of nitinol memory return reinforced helmet assembly comprises at least one curved receiving channel that is generally parallel to the curved plane of the inner surface of the shell, wherein the alloys of nitinol memory return reinforced curved receiving channel is adapted to allow the at least one flexible removable interchangeable connecting rod to be removably inserted into the alloys of nitinol reinforced curved receiving channel so as to fasten and or unfasten the alloys of nitinol memory return reinforced face guard to the helmet assembly.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein three or more compressible and expandable pentagonal or octagonal memory foam platform pads are positioned on the inside helmet layer.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the one or more self-adjusting pentagonal or octagonal memory foam platform pads are comprised of three or more compression and return layers.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, further comprising a self-adjustable rounded or ellipsed dome platform pads affixed proximate the opposing surface of the helmet shell.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the alloys of nitinol memory return reinforcement matrix is further comprised of a series of overlapping continuous non-touching wire, cable “coils” encased within a filler material.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the series of overlapping continuous wire, cable “coils” “loops” are arranged in non-touching overlapping matrix rows to form a curved plane that is generally parallel to the curved plane of the inner surface of the shell.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the linked overlapping continuous non-touching wire, cable “coils” “loops” are comprised of alloys of nitinol.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the overlapping continuous non-touching wire, cable “coils” “loops” are comprised of alloys of nitinol.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the helmet filler material is a bonding material.

The memory return reinforced safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim encompasses memory return reinforcement significantly reducing the probability of helmet fracturing and or requiring a much higher degree of encountered impact to fracture said helmet.

A safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim that is resistant to and cancels encountered high energy fragments and bullets, the helmet including a reinforced shell comprising from the outside to the inside: an outer memory return reinforced matrix layer comprising a plastic filler material; and an inner material comprising a plurality of fibrous layers.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the memory return reinforced matrix is in the form of a monolith that conforms to a curved shape of the shell.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the memory return reinforced matrix is in the form of a plurality of coiled wire, cable configuration that conforms to a curved shape of the shell.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein at least a portion of the alloys of nitinol wire, cable reinforcement apparatuses or apparatus are mechanically spaced apart and chemically bonded with one another.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein some or all of the alloys of nitinol wire, cable reinforcements have a non-planar shape.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the alloys of nitinol and their ratios are adjusted to suit a variety of frequencies attenuation and or helmet styles.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the memory return reinforced matrix comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of reinforced or unreinforced aluminum oxide, boron carbide, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, and titanium diboride.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the memory return reinforced wire, cable comprise high tenacity alloys of nitinol overlapping coils in a resin matrix.

A method and apparatus according to any claim for forming a reinforced shell for a safety helmet that is resistant to high encountered energy fragments and bullets, the method comprising: supplying, to a mold, an outer layer comprising alloys of nitinol, an inner backing material comprising a plurality of reinforcement layers, and an adhesive and filler layer to a mold, wherein the adhesive and filler layer is disposed between the outer layer and the inner backing material, and applying heat and pressure to the outer layer, inner backing material, and adhesive and filler to bond the nitinol coils to the inner backing material and form the reinforcement shell.

A molded reinforcement helmet shell method and apparatus prepared according to the method of any claim.

A protective memory return reinforced safety helmet casting/molding methods and apparatuses of any claim may be adjusted to be specifically tuned/tailored to the safety helmet's reinforced memory return operational characteristics and operational temperature by controlling the molding/casting rise time and temperature, the soaking time and temperature, and fall time and temperature to suit a particular safety helmet performance and application and or to suit a particular memory return alloy as needed depending upon application.

A football safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim for use while playing a contact team sport, the memory return reinforced helmet comprising: a one-piece memory return reinforced shell including: a crown portion defining an upper region of the memory return reinforced safety shell; a front portion extending generally forwardly and downwardly from the crown portion; left and right side portions extending generally downwardly and laterally from the crown portion; a rear portion extending generally rearwardly and downwardly from the crown portion; and, a memory return reinforced impact attenuation system formed, wherein the impact attenuation memory return reinforced member changes how the safety helmet system responds to an encountered impact force applied to any helmet location respond to said impact force.

The football helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the memory return reinforced impact attenuation system is a cantilevered segment in the front portion of the shell.

The football helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the faceguard receiving segment and the continuous gap have a U-shaped configuration.

The football helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the front pad platform includes an internal pad platform component and an overmolded external pad platform component.

The football helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the front helmet portion includes a pair of slidably adjustable front vent openings, ranging from open to closed.

A football safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim having a low-profile memory return reinforced face guard mounting configuration, the helmet comprising: a one-piece memory return reinforced shell including: a crown portion defining an upper region of the memory return reinforced shell; a front portion extending generally forwardly and downwardly from the crown portion; left and right side portions extending generally downwardly and laterally from the crown portion, wherein the front portion and the left and ride side portions collectively define a frontal opening in the memory return reinforced shell, wherein the front opening includes opposed peripheral frontal edges; a lower recessed memory return reinforced face guard(s) attachment region extending along a lower extent of the opposed peripheral frontal edges; and a memory return reinforced face guard having a plurality of intersecting elongated members and opposed lower peripheral portions, wherein the lower peripheral portions are secured to the lower recessed attachment regions by lower connector brackets affixed to the lower recessed attachment regions to provide the low-profile memory return reinforced face guard mounting configuration.

A football safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim having a low-profile memory return reinforced face guard non-touching overlapping reinforced memory return wire, cable ‘coils’ providing the dual purpose of serving as a reinforcement and an encountered frequency dampening method and apparatus.

The football safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the lower recessed memory return reinforced face guard attachment regions are adjacent the peripheral frontal edge of the shell.

The football safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the lower recessed memory return reinforced face guard attachment region is defined by an angled transition wall formed in the shell.

The football safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, further comprising an elongated fastener that extends through the lower connector bracket and the lower recessed attachment region.

The football safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, further comprising an upper recessed memory return reinforced face guard attachment region extending along an upper extent of the opposed peripheral frontal edge.

The football safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the upper recessed memory return reinforced face guard system attachment region is adjacent the peripheral frontal edge of the shell.

The football safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the upper recessed memory return reinforced face guard memory return reinforced attachment region is defined by an angled transition receiving groove formed in the shell.

The football safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the memory return reinforced face guard has opposed upper peripheral portion, wherein the upper peripheral portion is secured to the upper recessed attachment region by upper connector brackets s affixed to the upper recessed attachment region.

The football helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the upper recessed memory return reinforced face guard attachment region is defined by an angled transition wall formed in the shell, and wherein the upper connector brackets are positioned between the angled transition wall and the peripheral frontal edge of the shell.

The football safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the lower recessed memory return reinforced face guard attachment region is defined by an angled transition wall formed in the shell, and wherein the first pair of connectors are positioned between the angled transition wall and a frontal edge of the shell.

A protective helmet method and apparatus of any claim comprising: a memory return reinforced outer shell assembly; an inner shell having inner and outer surfaces; internal multi-layered memory foam padding contacting said inner surface of said inner shell; an encountered impact energy attenuating platforms positioned between said inner shell and said outer shell assembly; wherein said memory return reinforced outer shell assembly comprises a plurality of memory return reinforced outer shell segments, at least one of said outer shell segments designed and arranged to move relative to said other outer shell segments upon receiving an impact force.

The protective helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein said inner memory return reinforced shell is a rigid shell.

The protective helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein said outer memory return reinforced shell assembly is a rigid shell assembly.

The protective helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein said outer memory return reinforced shell assembly system is directly connected to said encountered energy absorbing layer independent of said inner shell, and said inner shell is directly connected to said encountered energy attenuating memory return reinforced layer independent of said outer memory return reinforced shell assembly.

The protective helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein said outer shell assembly comprises a plurality of individual frameworks and each said individual framework is individually connected to said encountered energy absorbing layer.

The protective helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein said plurality of individual memory return reinforced wire, cable coils are not joined to one another.

The protective helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein said memory return reinforced shell comprises a front portion, a pair of side portions, a crown portion and a back portion, wherein said memory return reinforced shell, when placed on a person's head, covers the forehead, ears, crown and back of the head.

The protective helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein said inner shell and said outer shell assembly include a plurality of slidably adjustable vent openings, at least one said outer shell vent opening radially aligned over at least one said inner shell vent opening.

The protective memory return reinforced helmet method and apparatus of any claim further including at least two slidably adjustable air hole extending between said exterior surface and said inner compartment of said memory return reinforced shell to permit air to flow from said interior compartment to said exterior surface.

The protective reinforced helmet method and apparatus of any claim wherein said memory return padding further includes at least one convection pathway having channels to direct air from said interior compartment towards said at least two slidably adjustable air holes.

The protective helmet method and apparatus of any claim, further comprising: a memory return reinforced face guard system receivably connected to said outer one unitary shell, said memory return reinforced face guard system including a memory return reinforced face guard and side padded jaw protector connected to said memory return reinforced shell.

The protective helmet method and apparatus of any claim, further comprising: a memory return reinforced face guard system including a memory return reinforced face guard having a pair of padded lower jaw extensions, said lower padded jaw extensions extending beyond a lower front edge of the memory return reinforced shell assembly.

A protective helmet method and apparatus of any claim comprising: a memory return reinforced shell assembly; a memory return reinforced inner shell having inner and outer surfaces; internal multi-layered memory return padding system contacting said inner surface of said inner multi-layered memory return shell; an encountered energy absorbing layer(s) system positioned between said inner shell and said multilayered memory return shell assembly.

A protective memory return reinforced helmet method and apparatus of any claim to be worn on the head of a person, the memory return reinforced protective helmet comprising; a memory return reinforced shell defining an exterior surface and an interior compartment; a ridgeline in said interior compartment recessed towards said exterior surface and protruding outwardly from said exterior surface; memory foam padding disposed in said interior compartment of the memory return reinforced helmet to protect the head of the person; a memory return reinforced faceguard coupled to the memory return reinforced helmet and wherein said memory return reinforced removable faceguard defines a curved region having a generally planar surface; and said curved region of said memory return reinforced removable faceguard engages said ridgeline of said interior compartment to provide a smooth transition from said exterior surface of the memory return reinforced helmet to said memory return reinforced faceguard.

The protective helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein a portion of said outer shell assembly and a portion of said inner shell are in contacting relationship with each other.

The protective helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein said contacting portions of said inner shell and said outer shell assembly are secured to each other.

The protective reinforced helmet method and apparatus of any claim wherein said memory return reinforced faceguard further includes at least one receiving channel shape to provide an integrated compression force resistance to said memory return reinforced helmet during encountered impact.

The protective memory return reinforced helmet method and apparatus of any claim wherein said faceguard is made from a high density polymer.

The protective memory return reinforced helmet method and apparatus of any claim wherein said high density polymer is an ultra-high molecular weight high density polymer.

The protective memory return reinforced helmet method and apparatus of any claim wherein said ultra-high molecular weight high density polymer has a molecular weight between. million and. million Daltons.

The protective memory return reinforced helmet method and apparatus of any claim wherein said faceguard is made from the combination of resins and micro-reinforced memory return apparatuses.

The protective reinforced helmet method and apparatus of any claim further including a plurality of first fastener holes disposed through the helmet between said exterior surface and said interior compartment and a plurality of second fastener holes in said curved region of said faceguard and wherein said plurality of second fastener holes are disposed adjacent to said first plurality of fastener holes.

The protective memory return reinforced helmet method and apparatus of any claim further including a plurality of fasteners wherein said plurality of fasteners are disposed through said plurality of second of fastener holes and said first plurality of fastener holes to couple said memory return reinforced faceguard to the memory return reinforced helmet.

The protective memory return reinforced helmet method and apparatus of any claim wherein said plurality of fasteners are externally threaded steel fastening screws and internally threaded T-nuts being threadably engaged to couple said memory return reinforced faceguard to the memory return reinforced helmet.

The protective helmet method and apparatus of any claim wherein said faceguard further includes an elongated slot recessed in said helmet edge region and over said plurality of fastener holes.

The protective reinforced helmet method and apparatus of any claim wherein said faceguard further includes a plurality of grommets disposed around said plurality of fasteners in said plurality of elongated receiving channel or groove to attenuate and transfer encountered impacts.

The protective reinforced helmet method and apparatus of any claim wherein said plurality of attachment grommets are made from of a rubber material.

A protective helmet method and apparatus of any claim to be worn on the head of a person, the protective reinforced helmet comprising; a memory return reinforced shell of polymer material having an exterior surface; a ridgeline recessed in said interior edge of said front region of said shell; a plurality of slidably adjustable air holes extending between said exterior surface and said inner compartment of the said memory return reinforced shell to permit air to flow from said helmet interior compartment to said helmet exterior surface; a plurality of first fastener holes disposed through the memory return reinforced helmet between said exterior surface and said interior compartment; padding disposed in said interior compartment of the memory return reinforced helmet to protect the head of the person; a plurality of convection pathways disposed in said padding having channels to direct air from said interior compartment towards said plurality of slidably adjustable air holes; a memory return reinforced faceguard having a faceguard peripheral surface and a faceguard interior surface and said faceguard further defining a faceguard first side and a faceguard second side; a curved region having a generally planar surface formed on said faceguard peripheral edge and extending between said memory return reinforced faceguard first side and said faceguard second side and said curved region engaging said ridgeline of said interior compartment of said reinforced shell, having an elongated receiving groove recessed in said curved region of said peripheral surface of said faceguard and extending partially into said curved region from said peripheral surface of said faceguard; a plurality of second fastener holes in said curved region of said faceguard disposed adjacent to said plurality of first fastener holes and through each of said elongated slot in said curved region of said faceguard between said peripheral surface and said interior surface of said faceguard; a plurality of removable and reinstallable fasteners having external threads and said plurality of fasteners disposed through said plurality of second of fastener holes and said first plurality of fastener holes to couple said memory return reinforced faceguard to the safety helmet; a plurality of T-nuts having internal threads matching said external threads of said steel fasteners disposed in said memory return reinforced helmet adjacent said padding and said plurality of T-nuts threadably engage said external threads on each of said plurality of fasteners; a plurality of grommets of rubber like material disposed around said fasteners in each of said plurality of elongated receiving channel to allow lateral movement of said faceguard when said faceguard is recievably and removably coupled to the edge of the helmet with said plurality of fasteners and said plurality of T-nuts; a plurality of fillets shape disposed on said reinforced memory return faceguard to provide encountered impact force resistance to said reinforced memory return faceguard during encountered impact; and said faceguard bar region of said faceguard engages said ridgeline of the reinforced helmet to provide a smooth transition from said exterior surface of the reinforced memory return helmet to said peripheral surface of said reinforced memory return faceguard.

The protective reinforced helmet method and apparatus of any claim wherein said reinforced memory return faceguard is made from an ultra-high molecular weight high density polymer having a molecular weight between. million and. million Daltons.

An encountered impact liner system method and apparatus of any claim for a helmet, comprising: a plurality of compressible encountered energy management structures positioned between an interior surface of a memory return reinforced safety helmet shell and the head of a user when the encountered impact liner system is attached to the helmet shell, wherein each encountered energy management structure comprises an wall and an inner wall substantially surrounded by the wall, wherein the three or more layered inner walls are configured to compress when the exterior of the helmet shell is impacted by an object; one or more carriers for supporting the plurality of encountered energy management structures within the memory return reinforced helmet shell, the carrier comprising a plurality of openings, each opening configured to receive an encountered energy management structure; and wherein the multi-layered wall of the encountered energy management structures extend between the interior of the memory return reinforced helmet shell and the carrier of the multi-layered encountered impact liner system.

The encountered impact liner system method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the encountered energy management structures wall of at least one encountered energy management structure.

The encountered impact liner system method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the inner wall of the at least one encountered energy management structure is multi-layered memory foam.

The encountered impact liner system method and apparatus of any claim, wherein a bottom of the inner wall is spaced away from a bottom of the encountered energy management structures walls.

The encountered impact liner system method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the inner wall extends from a top wall of the encountered energy management structure.

The encountered impact liner system method and apparatus of any claim, wherein each encountered energy management structure comprises a three section platform including a top portion, a middle portion, attached to the bottom portion, and wherein the top portion comprises the ellipse dome surface.

The encountered impact liner system method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the bottom wall and the top wall comprise one or more openings that permit convection air to escape from between the encountered energy management structures during encountered impacts.

The encountered impact liner system method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the distance between the bottom of the inner wall and the bottom of the outer wall is between about 0.125 inch and about 0.75 inch.

The encountered impact liner system method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the top portion is removably attached to the bottom portion.

The encountered impact liner system method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the encountered energy management platform structures are removably attached in the openings of the carrier.

The encountered impact liner system method and apparatus of any claim further comprising one or more platforms multi-layered pads attached to one or more of the encountered energy management structures and positioned between the encountered energy management platforms structure and the head of the user.

The encountered impact liner system method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the one or more platforms pads comprise a multi-layered compressible structure having a hemispherical body portion and are attached to a top wall of the one or more of the encountered energy management platforms structures.

The encountered impact liner system method and apparatus of any claim, wherein at least one encountered energy management platforms structure comprises an attachment feature for attaching the one or more pads structures to the encountered energy management structure.

The encountered impact liner system method and apparatus of any claim, wherein at least one encountered energy management structure comprises an attachment feature for removably attaching the encountered energy management structure to the helmet shell.

An encountered impact liner system method and apparatus of any claim for a helmet, comprising: a plurality of multi-layered compressible and returnable encountered energy management structures positioned between an interior surface of a reinforced helmet shell and the head of a wearer when the encountered impact liner system is attached to the reinforced helmet shell, and wherein each encountered energy management structure comprises a multi-layered memory return wall and wherein the inner multi-layered walls are configured to compress and return at different rates when the exterior of the helmet shell is impacted by an object, and wherein a bottom of the multi-layered inner wall is spaced away from a bottom of the wall; and one or more carriers for supporting the encountered energy management structures within the safety helmet shell, carriers, encountered energy management platforms structures, and wherein the multi-layered platform wall of the encountered energy management structures extend between the interior of the safety helmet shell and the carrier of the encountered impact platforms liner system.

The encountered impact liner system method and apparatus of any claim, wherein each encountered energy management structure platforms comprises a layered top portion attached to a layered bottom portion, and wherein the top portion comprises the inner wall and the bottom portion comprises the encountered energy management structures wall.

The safety helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the platforms are removably attached to the helmet portion.

An encountered energy management system method and apparatus of any claim for a safety helmet, comprising: a bottom portion comprising a bottom wall and a wall extending from the bottom wall; and a top portion attached to the bottom portion, the top portion comprising a top wall and inner wall extending from the top wall toward the bottom wall, wherein the wall extends between the bottom wall and the top wall; and wherein the encountered energy management system is configured to be positioned between the head of user and an interior surface of a reinforced memory return safety helmet shell such that the top wall is adjacent the head of the user and the bottom wall is adjacent the interior surface of the safety helmet shell, and wherein the encountered energy management structures and inner walls are configured to compress when an exterior of the safety helmet shell is impacted by an object or objects.

The encountered energy management structure method and apparatus of any claim further comprising multi-layered compressible and returnable platforms pad structures attached to the top wall and comprising a ellipse hemispherical body portion.

The encountered energy management platforms structure method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the inner wall is pentagonal hexagonal octagonal configured.

The encountered energy management structure method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the bottom wall and the top wall comprise one or more openings that permit air convection to escape from around the encountered energy management platform structures during encountered impact.

The encountered energy management structure method and apparatus of any claim, wherein a bottom of the multi-layered inner wall is spaced away from the bottom wall and a bottom of the next wall.

The encountered energy management structure method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the distance between the bottom of the inner wall and the bottom of the encountered energy management structures wall is between about 0.10 inch and about 0.50 inch.

An encountered energy management structure method and apparatus of any claim for a safety helmet, comprising: a multi-layered inner compressible wall extending from the top wall; a multi-layered compressible and returnable wall that substantially surrounds the inner wall; and a compressible multi-layered pad platform structure attached to the top wall; wherein the encountered energy management platform structures are configured to be positioned between the head of user and an interior surface of a memory return reinforced safety helmet shell such that the compressible multi-layered pad structure platform is adjacent the head of the user and a bottom of the wall is adjacent the interior surface of the helmet shell, and wherein the inner and walls are configured to predictably compress and return when an exterior of the helmet shell is impacted by an object or objects.

The encountered energy management platform structure method and apparatus of any claim, wherein a bottom layer of the inner wall is spaced away from a bottom layer of the outer encountered energy management structures.

The encountered energy management structure method and apparatus of any claim further comprising a top layer compression and return portion attached to a bottom layer compression and return portion, wherein the top layer compression and return portion comprises the top wall and the inner wall and the bottom portion comprises the multi-layered encountered energy management platform wall.

The encountered energy management structure method and apparatus of any claim wherein the top layer compression and return portion is removably attached to the bottom layer compression and return portion.

A composite multi-axial impact protection encountered energy management structure liner system method and apparatus of any claim for a protective helmet device comprising: wherein the encountered energy management structure liner is configured to be inserted into the protective device.

The encountered energy management structure liner method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the platform polymer layer comprises an elastomer.

The encountered energy management structure liner method and apparatus of any claim, further comprising encountered energy management structures having different composite layers having a distribution of structural regions and open regions.

The encountered energy management structure liner method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the encountered energy management structure composite layers comprises a plurality of repeating encountered energy management structure platforms.

The encountered energy management structure liner method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the structural regions comprise hexagonal honeycomb platforms structures.

The encountered energy management structure liner method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the double hexagonal honeycomb structure comprises multi-layers of memory foams.

A memory return reinforced helmet method and apparatus of any claim comprising the multi-layer memory foam encountered energy management structure liner method and apparatus of any claim.

The memory return reinforced helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the multi-layer memory foam encountered energy management structure liner is disposed intermediate to a memory return reinforced hard shell.

A wearable protective device method and apparatus of any claim comprising: a hard shell; and a composite multi-layered impact protection encountered energy management structure liner system including a three polymer layers having a first layer of a strain thickening polymer and a second layer of a strain thinning polymer, wherein the encountered energy management structure liner is disposed within the memory return reinforced shell.

The device method and apparatus of any claim, further comprising a multi-layer memory foam encountered energy management structure padding layer disposed within the memory return reinforced shell.

The device method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the wearable memory return reinforced protective encountered energy management structure device is configured as a football helmet.

A wearable protective device method and apparatus of any claim comprising: a memory return reinforced hard shell; and a composite multi-axial encountered impact protection multi-layer memory foam encountered energy management structure liner disposed within the shell and including: a polymer layer having at least one of a strain thickening polymer and a strain thinning polymer; and a composite encountered energy management structure layer having a distribution of structural platform regions and open regions, the structural platform regions comprising a regular or double hexagonal honeycomb structure.

A multi-axial impact protection encountered energy management structure liner method and apparatus of any claim for a protective reinforced memory return device comprising multi-layers of elastomer honeycomb.

The memory return reinforced American style tackle football helmet method and apparatus of any claim, comprising: a reinforced memory return safety shell configured to at least partially surround a head of a wearer; an inner encountered energy management structure liner, located substantially within the reinforced memory return inner shell and configured to contact at least a portion of the head of the wearer; and a reinforced memory return facial and mandibular protector attached to the outer reinforced memory return shell and configured to at least partially surround a face of the wearer; wherein the reinforced memory return American style tackle football helmet has a center of gravity which, when the helmet is being worn, is substantially the same in two-dimensional location to the ventral-dorsal plane of the head of the wearer.

The reinforced American style tackle football helmet system and apparatus of any claim, wherein, when the reinforced memory return helmet is being worn, the inner liner encountered energy management structure remains stationary with respect to the wearer's head when force is exerted upon the head of the wearer.

The reinforced American style tackle football helmet method and apparatus of any claim, comprising a reinforced memory return helmet moment of inertia which is chosen to reduce a risk of brain injury to the wearer when encountered force(s) is exerted upon the helmet of the wearer.

The reinforced American style tackle football helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein an age category of the wearer is considered during design and manufacture of the reinforced memory return helmet and at least one dimension of the reinforced helmet is adjusted during design to provide at least one predetermined protective property for a wearer in that age category.

Memory return reinforced safety helmet method and apparatus for protecting the brain of the wearer by reducing the cavitation intensity and the damaging effects to the brain by dampening the encountered helmet impact generated frequencies, and their collision (collapsing) generated shockwave having frequencies, that are within the megahertz range, that produces brain damage, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

Memory return reinforced safety helmet method and apparatus for protecting the brain of the wearer by reducing the cavitation intensity and the damaging effects to the brain by dampening the encountered helmet impact generated frequencies, and their collision (collapsing) generated shockwave having frequencies, that are within the kilohertz range, that produces brain damage, including concussion.

Memory return safety helmet method and apparatus for nullifying the collapsing (colliding) frequencies that produce the harmful shockwaves that cause concussion within the kilohertz range.

Memory return safety helmet method and apparatus for nullifying the collapsing (colliding) frequencies that produce the harmful shockwaves that cause CTE within the megahertz range.

The reinforced American style tackle football helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the weight of a reinforced helmet worn by a wearer 10 years old or younger is in the range of 0.65 to 1.00 kilograms.

The reinforced American style tackle football helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the weight of a reinforced helmet worn by a wearer 9 years old is in the range of 0.65 to 1.00 kilograms.

The reinforced American style tackle football helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the memory return reinforced helmet has a center of gravity which, when the memory return reinforced helmet is being worn, is substantially the same in three-dimensional location as the center of gravity of the head of the wearer.

The reinforced American style tackle football helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the safety helmet has a center of gravity which, when the memory return reinforced safety helmet system is being worn, is caudal to the center of gravity of the head of the wearer.

The reinforced American style tackle football helmet method and apparatus of any claim, comprising: an outer memory return reinforced shell configured to at least partially surround a head of a wearer; an inner encountered energy management structure liner system, located substantially within the inner shell and configured to contact at least a portion of the head of the wearer; and a reinforced memory return facial and mandibular protecting system attached to the memory return reinforced helmet shell and configured to at least partially surround a face of the wearer; wherein the American style football helmet system has a helmet moment of inertia which is designed to contribute to reducing the risk of brain injury to the wearer when force is exerted upon the head of the wearer.

The memory return reinforced American style tackle football helmet method and apparatus of any claim, wherein, when the reinforced safety helmet is being worn, the inner encountered energy management structure liner system remains relatively stationary with respect to the wearer's head and relative compression and return predictable motion is permitted between the inner liner and the outer reinforced shell when force is exerted upon the helmet of the wearer.

The memory return reinforced American style tackle football helmet system and methods and apparatus of any claim, comprising an improved center of gravity which, when the reinforced memory return helmet is being worn, is substantially the same in two-dimensional location as the ventral-dorsal plane of the head of the wearer.

The reinforced memory return American style tackle football helmet system methods and apparatus of any claim, wherein the memory return reinforced helmet has a center of gravity which, when the memory return reinforced helmet is being worn, is substantially the same in three-dimensional location as the center of gravity of the head of the wearer.

The memory return reinforced American style tackle football safety helmet system methods and apparatus of any claim, wherein the memory return reinforced helmet has a center of gravity which, when the memory return reinforced helmet is being worn, is caudal to the center of gravity of the head of the wearer.

The reinforced memory return American style tackle football helmet system methods and apparatus of any claim, wherein a weight and age category of the wearer is considered during design and manufacture of the memory return reinforced American style tackle football helmet system and at least one dimension of the reinforced helmet is adjusted during design to provide at least one predetermined brain protective property for a wearer in that age category.

The reinforced American style tackle football safety helmet system methods and apparatus of any claim, wherein the weight of the reinforced memory return safety helmet system worn by a wearer 10 years old or younger is in the range of 0.65 to 1.00 kilograms.

The reinforced memory return American style tackle football safety helmet system method and apparatus of any claim, wherein the weight of the reinforced safety helmet system worn by a wearer 9 years old is in the range of 0.65 to 1.00 kilograms.

A method and apparatus of protecting at least one body structure of a wearer during athletic competition, the system methods comprising the steps of: providing a reinforced memory return American style tackle football helmet system, comprising a reinforced memory return outer safety shell configured to at least partially surround a head of a wearer; an inner encountered energy management structure liner system, located substantially within the reinforced memory return outer shell and configured to contact at least a portion of the head of the wearer, and a reinforced memory return facial and mandibular protector system removably attached to the memory return reinforced outer shell and configured to at least partially surround a face of the wearer; configuring a center of gravity of the reinforced American style tackle safety helmet to be substantially the same in two-dimensional location as the ventral-dorsal plane of the head of the wearer when the memory return reinforced American style tackle safety helmet is being worn.

The memory return reinforced American style tackle football safety helmet system method and apparatus of any claim, including the steps of: exerting a force upon the head of the wearer when the memory return reinforced safety helmet system is being worn; maintaining the encountered energy management structure inner liner relatively stationary with respect to the wearer's head when the encountered force is exerted upon the head of the wearer; and permitting predictable compressive and return motion between the encountered energy management structure inner liner and the memory return reinforced outer shell when encountered force is exerted upon the helmet and head of the wearer.

The memory return reinforced American style tackle football helmet system methods and apparatus of any claim, including the step of choosing a reinforce memory return helmet moment of inertia to reduce a risk of brain injury to the wearer when encountered force is exerted upon the helmet and head of the wearer.

The memory return reinforced American style tackle football helmet system and methods and apparatus of any claim, including the steps of: considering an age and weight category of the wearer during design of the reinforced American style tackle football helmet system; and adjusting at least one dimension of the memory return reinforced helmet during design to provide at least one predetermined protective property for a wearer in the considered age category.

The reinforced American style tackle football safety helmet system methods and apparatus of any claim, wherein the weight of a reinforced memory return American style tackle football helmet system worn by a wearer 10 years old or younger is in the range of 0.65 to 1.00 kilograms.

The reinforced memory return American style tackle football safety helmet system methods and apparatus of any claim, wherein the weight of a memory return reinforced American style tackle football helmet system worn by a wearer 9 years old is in the range of 0.65 to 1.00 kilograms.

The memory return reinforced American style tackle football helmet system methods and apparatus of any claim, wherein the step of configuring a center of gravity of the American style tackle football reinforced safety helmet system includes the step of configuring a center of gravity of the memory return reinforced helmet system to be substantially the same in three-dimensional location as the center of gravity of the head of the wearer when the memory return reinforced safety helmet system is being worn.

The memory return reinforced American style tackle football safety helmet system methods and apparatus of any claim, wherein the step of configuring a center of gravity of the memory return reinforced American style tackle football safety helmet system includes the step of configuring a center of gravity of the American style tackle football reinforced safety helmet system to be caudal to the center of gravity of the head of the wearer when the American style tackle football reinforced memory return helmet is being worn.

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a helmet assembly. The helmet assembly comprises: a shell configured to receive a head of a wearer of the helmet, the shell comprising a reinforcing layer that includes an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the reinforcing layer comprises a series of linked coils that are entirely encased within a solid filler material, and wherein the series of linked coils are positioned between the outer surface and the inner surface of the reinforcing layer wherein the series of linked coils includes at least first, second and third linked coils that each define an axis, and wherein the axes of the first, second and third linked coils are not co-axial; wherein the inner surface of the reinforcing layer generally forms a curved plane, and wherein the series of linked coils are arranged in overlapping rows to form a curved plane that is generally parallel to the curved plane of the inner surface of the reinforcing layer, and wherein the series of linked coils comprise a metal alloy of nickel and titanium, and wherein the nickel and titanium are present in roughly equal atomic percentages.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a helmet assembly. The helmet assembly comprises: a shell configured to receive a head of a wearer of the helmet, the shell comprising a reinforcing layer that includes an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the reinforcing layer comprises a series of linked coils that are entirely encased within a solid filler material, and wherein the series of linked coils are positioned between the outer surface and the inner surface of the reinforcing layer wherein the series of linked coils includes at least first, second and third linked coils that each define an axis, and wherein the axes of the first, second and third linked coils are not co-axial; wherein the inner surface of the reinforcing layer generally forms a curved plane, and wherein the series of linked coils are arranged in overlapping rows to form a curved plane that is generally parallel to the curved plane of the inner surface of the reinforcing layer, and wherein the series of linked coils comprise a metal alloy of nickel and titanium, and wherein the nickel and titanium are present in roughly equal atomic percentages; a face guard having an upper side and a lower side; wherein the face guard has at least one flexible connecting rod affixed proximate the upper side of the face guard; wherein the shell comprises at least one curved receiving channel defined therein that extends generally parallel to the curved plane of the inner surface of the shell, wherein the curved receiving channel is designed to allow the at least one flexible connecting rod to be removably inserted into the curved receiving channel so as to fasten the face guard to the shell.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a helmet assembly. The helmet assembly comprises: a shell configured to receive a head of a wearer of the helmet, the shell comprising a reinforcing layer that includes an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the reinforcing layer comprises memory return materials comprising non-touching non-frequency transferring wire or cable continuous overlapping coiled materials, wherein the materials comprise a metal alloy of nickel and titanium, and wherein the nickel and titanium are present in roughly equal atomic percentages, and wherein the memory return materials are encased within a solid filler material.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a helmet assembly. The helmet assembly comprises: a shell configured to receive a head of a wearer of the helmet, the shell comprising a reinforcing layer that includes an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the reinforcing layer comprises memory return materials comprising non-touching non-frequency transferring wire or cable continuous overlapping coiled materials, wherein the inner surface of the reinforcing layer generally forms a curved plane, and wherein the series of linked coils are arranged in overlapping rows to form a curved plane that is generally parallel to the curved plane of the inner surface of the reinforcing layer, and wherein the series of linked coils comprise a metal alloy of nickel and titanium, and wherein the nickel and titanium are present in roughly equal atomic percentages; a face guard having an upper side and a lower side; wherein the face guard has at least one flexible connecting rod affixed proximate the upper side of the face guard; wherein the shell comprises at least one curved receiving channel defined therein that extends generally parallel to the curved plane of the inner surface of the shell, wherein the curved receiving channel is designed to allow the at least one flexible connecting rod to be removably inserted into the curved receiving channel so as to fasten the face guard to the shell.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a helmet assembly. The helmet assembly comprises: a shell configured to receive a head of a wearer of the helmet, the shell comprising a reinforcing layer that includes an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the reinforcing layer comprises memory return materials comprising a first wire or cable comprising a section wound into a spiral and a second wire or cable comprising a section would into a spiral, and wherein the first wire or cable does not touch the second wire or cable, and wherein the materials comprise a metal alloy of nickel and titanium, and wherein the nickel and titanium are present in roughly equal atomic percentages, and wherein the memory return materials are encased within a solid filler material.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a helmet assembly. The helmet assembly comprises: a shell configured to receive a head of a wearer of the helmet, the shell comprising a reinforcing layer that includes an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the reinforcing layer comprises memory return materials comprising a first wire or cable comprising a section wound into a spiral and a second wire or cable comprising a section would into a spiral, and wherein the first wire or cable does not touch the second wire or cable, wherein the inner surface of the reinforcing layer generally forms a curved plane, and wherein the series of linked coils are arranged in overlapping rows to form a curved plane that is generally parallel to the curved plane of the inner surface of the reinforcing layer, and wherein the series of linked coils comprise a metal alloy of nickel and titanium, and wherein the nickel and titanium are present in roughly equal atomic percentages; a face guard having an upper side and a lower side; wherein the face guard has at least one flexible connecting rod affixed proximate the upper side of the face guard; wherein the shell comprises at least one curved receiving channel defined therein that extends generally parallel to the curved plane of the inner surface of the shell, wherein the curved receiving channel is designed to allow the at least one flexible connecting rod to be removably inserted into the curved receiving channel so as to fasten the face guard to the shell.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of lessening the risk of concussion or CTE resulting from repeated head impact. The method comprises: use of a helmet assembly according to any of the preceding claims 1-34 during two or more activities capable of involving a head impact; wherein use of the helmet assembly reduces at least 10 percent of wave frequencies produced upon head impact in the kilohertz or megahertz range as compared to a helmet as shown in FIG. 1; and wherein the reduction of wave frequencies during two or more activities capable of involving head impact reduces concussion- or CTE-causing cellular damage that could accumulate over repeated head impacts thereby lessening the risk of concussion or CTE.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a prior art helmet system having compactible/compressible zones.

FIG. 2 shows variations of the compressible zones of the helmet shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows ear ports.

FIG. 4 shows self-adjustable surfaces.

FIG. 5 shows non-frequency transferring, cable overlapping coils.

FIG. 6 shows an attenuating helmet system.

FIG. 7 shows a viewing window apparatus of a helmet of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows reinforced memory return non-touching spaced apart overlapping continuous, wire and or cable “coils” “loops” “rings” apparatuses.

FIG. 9 shows a network of non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable continuous overlapping coils, which form optional linked, multiple-chain reinforcement canceling apparatuses.

FIG. 10 shows an end view of many possible cable configurations.

FIG. 11 shows a simplified high performance ballistic modular drop jaw safety helmet employing the current invention's methods and apparatuses.

FIG. 12 shows that larger non-touching overlapping “coils” “rings” may be used separately or may be combined as needed depending on the specific application requirements.

FIG. 13 shows that the memory return reinforcement material(s) (coils) provides displacement and other efficiencies not specifically stated herein when designed and configured in “wraps” the memory return reinforcement material(s) within its bounds.

FIG. 14 shows certain possible memory return reinforced configurations encompassed by the current invention.

FIG. 15 shows other possible memory return reinforced configurations encompassed by the current invention.

FIG. 16 shows other possible memory return reinforced configurations encompassed by the current invention.

FIG. 17 shows memory return reinforced tetra-helix geometric tetrahedrons.

FIG. 18 shows shape memory alloys upon heating and cooling.

FIG. 19 shows a graph related to superelastic characteristics of shape memory alloys.

FIG. 20 shows nitinol wire under both hot and cold conditions. The absolute volume of nitinol remains constant whether contracted or relaxed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to safety helmet(s), such as for activities and sports including, but not limited to the following: American style tackle football helmets having specific improved physical properties; motorcycling; motocross; lacrosse; hockey; baseball; and further includes police, riot, and ballistic and military helmets. In certain aspects, the present invention is directed to a helmet liner configured to reduce the incidence of a rotational injury that may lead to concussion or traumatic brain injury. The helmet typically includes an outer shell with recessed receiving channel frontal mounting areas that ensure a low-profile connection of the face guard to the helmet. The faceguard's receiving channel is also oftentimes reinforced.

In certain cases, the present invention is directed to a monolithic (one-piece), molded shell and a reinforced impact attenuation system purposely engineered to adjust a specific portion of the helmet's behavior when an impact or series of impacts are received by the helmet and or faceguards. The impact attenuation system includes an impact attenuation system formed in the shell and an internal pad aligned with the impact attenuation member on the inner surface of the shell.

The prior art does not encompass adequate degree(s) of encountered frequency displacement nor means of controlling such encountered impact(s). The prior art is overly simplified ignores or unaware of many highly complex multi-dimensional levels of safety helmet action such as but not limited to vector changing and canceling encountered impact(s) having generated cavitation characteristics producing shockwaves in the human brain, such as CTE and concussion.

The prior art currently ignores or is unaware of preventing encountered “reinforcing” vibrations. It is significant that it is not so much about preventing the initial encountered impact generated frequency(ies), it is about preventing (canceling) the “reinforcing” frequencies, more preferably the amplifying frequencies. This is especially important when attenuating a series of encountered impact waves, due to these encountered impacts not acting as individual waves, but rather a train of highly complex waves producing cavitation characteristics.

As an example, changing the encountered impact generated vector and or its direction will decrease the amount of constructive interference, preferably for canceling the disclosed frequency ranges associated with production of concussion and cavitation effects in a human skull and brain of a human particularly the complex frequency reflection (directions) that occur in the brain within a human skull. Additionally, the prior art is not aware or does not consider the use of annular “coils” reinforced memory return reinforcements or reinforced memory return fabricated “mesh” “net” helmet reinforcement(s) in safety helmets or other transportable protective safety equipment. As the prior art safety helmets only provide straight dampening characteristics from encountered impact(s) frequency, and are not as effective as the current invention for decreasing the constructive interference that causes a variety of cell and tissue damage. The current invention encompasses reinforced memory return having novel dimensional attenuating characteristic geometries, preferably producing about a 90 degree shift or vector change of the encountered impact frequency (destructive interference), encountered impact attenuation and canceling characteristics within the megahertz range as needed in the art.

For adolescent and youth American style tackle football helmets, adult helmets meeting the NOCSAE catastrophic head injury criterion are scaled-down thus considering only the head anthropometry of the younger players. There is accordingly no specific tailoring of helmet shell, padding or facial and mandibular (faceguard) protector or chinstrap designed and configured as an encountered impact attenuating cooperative system. There is further no consideration of youth or developing adolescent neurological systems, or their developing musculoskeletal systems, or related risks of different injuries as separate and distinct from full-grown adult players.

Theoretically because younger football players are subjected to lower encountered energy impacts during practice and competition (due to lower effective impact mass and velocity of the colliding players vs. mature athletes), scaled-down adult helmets are not sufficient to mitigate their potential injuries. Adult football helmets are primarily designed to mitigate skull fractures and catastrophic brain injury. Scaled-down adolescent and youth helmets optimized to mitigate adult skull fracture tolerance do not address potential risks to the rapidly developing brain, skull, neck, and spine of these younger football players. No helmets have yet been designed to minimize accumulation of encountered head (helmet) impact dosage across a broad range of in-game type of encountered impacts (average of ^(˜)25 g, maximum upwards of about 50 g to 150 g). Further, there are no existing standardized means to quantify these scaled-down adult helmets' characteristics on youth brain, head, neck and other injury risk.

Therefore, it is desirable to develop specific American style tackle football safety helmet(s) having reinforced and protective characteristics and components that minimize brain, head injury risk for adult, adolescent, and youth players. While much American style tackle football helmet impact testing has been commissioned by the National Football League, NOCSAE, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), safety helmet designs have remained relatively constant over the past two decades with less focus on rigorously proven engineering designs to attenuate encountered energy/momentum and the associated frequency generation and transfer, particularly to the head, skull, and brain through the helmet.

Further limiting efforts is that currently there is a lack of objective data correlating intrinsic helmet properties (mass, center of gravity, moments of inertia, encountered force-deflection and the associated harmful frequency generation range(s) and their properties) to football player brain, head, neck, and spine injury risk (currently risks generally are limited to calculating, using, for example, Gadd Severity Index, Angular Velocity, Angular Acceleration, spine forces/moments).

It is desirable to have an improved protective helmet which provides increased protection from encountered impact forces, particularly train impact forces, sustained by the wearer. It is further desirable to have a protective helmet system that provides a reduction of frequencies and encountered g-forces. It is also desirable to provide an improved sports helmet for contact sports.

The various ribs, ridges and corrugations found in conventional sports helmets often function to increase shell stiffness, especially in the regions of the shell that include these features. Note the prior art is unaware of the highly complex collision of frequencies causing amplified wave collisions (collapsing), frequency ranges of encountered impacts, and the damage produced by the cavitation effects produced from wave collapsing characteristics. The prior art has emphasized that the suspension/liner system of a helmet is where the absorption or reduction of the impact is focused, rather than the current invention which places the emphasis on the entire shell of the helmet and other cooperative components including the faceguard, the helmet liner, and the chin strap.

Various activities, such as contact sports, and in particular the sport of American style tackle football, require the use of safety helmets in an attempt to protect participants from encountered impact injuries to their brain, heads, and neck etc. This is due to the repetitive encountered and severe encountered impacts forces that are encountered during such activities. Additionally, the prior art does not employ positioning of any reinforcement (if present at all) at or near the helmet surface (in the primary stress zone) where it is needed, nor is it positioned near the outside and or inside surface of the helmets structural shell. The prior art furthermore does not emphasize protecting the brain, just protecting the head and skull.

Furthermore, as an example, conventional American style tackle football helmets generally utilize heavy metal or plastic semi-removable face guards having different designs and configurations for the different players' positions, which are generally fabricated from heavy metal and thermoplastic materials. Since a player wears a helmet for a considerable period of time during practices and games, it would be desirable to minimize the forward and overall weight of the helmet, while simultaneously improving overall protection. The face guards of conventional helmets are typically mechanically attached to disks on the front sides of the helmet, as well as upon the front of the helmet attached, such as by grommets, eyelets or screws. Thus, the face guard must extend rearward in order to be attached to the sides of the helmet. It would be desirable if the weight and size and profile of the face guard were significantly reduced, thereby reducing the overall profile and weight of the face guard and improve the helmet attachment and removable safety system and increase overall comfort, fatigue, and performance as used in the current invention's safety helmet(s) multi-component cooperative safety helmet system.

Attaching or removing the faceguard on the reinforced safety helmets of the current invention typically only requires a screwdriver or coin.

The helmets and other transportable safety equipment as stated herein of the present invention is theorized to offer significantly improved protection, particularly for CTE and concussions, including American style tackle football players, but it is believed that no helmet can, or will ever, totally and completely prevent brain and head injuries to football players.

As an example the reinforced safety helmets of the current invention, when compared to prior art conventional safety helmets, including football helmets, have the advantages of: being designed to attempt to protect a wearer of the helmets from the specific frequencies that produce brain injuries including CTE, resulting from repetitive small encountered impact injuries and further encompass the frequencies responsible for producing cell and tissue damage, particularly in the brain including CTE and concussion as discussed herein.

Furthermore, as an example, a manufacturing process for prior art safety helmets require time consuming and costly processes and steps, such as often having to cycle between cooling and heating cycles when manufacturing with carbon fiber that require curing temperatures of about 700 degrees F., and/or Kevlar™ requiring complex high temperature processing. Employing the current invention's memory return reinforcement having encountered impact frequency canceling characteristics as an apparatus reduces or eliminates these complex manufacturing requirements.

The current invention provides automatic simple self-adjustments to different shapes and sizes of heads; and provides increased fit, engagement, comfort, and safety of the protective helmet to the head of the wearer of the protective helmet. Therefore, there is a need within the art for protective helmets which: provide simple or self-adjustment(s) to different head shapes and sizes; that provide automatic multi-layered memory foam platforms having self-adjustment to different head shapes and sizes; and provide increased cooperative safety functions and fit/engagement and comfort, and provides a wider range of encountered wave canceling characteristics from encountered impacts including protecting against highly complex encountered train waves thus improving the security of the protective helmet to the head of the wearer of the protective helmet.

Furthermore, in accordance with the current invention the foregoing objects and advantages have been achieved through the present self-adjustable cooperative multi-layered memory foam encountered impact force canceling helmet liner(s) for a wide variety of protective safety helmet systems having an interior surface, the self-adjustable helmet liner comprising: at least one liner wall having a peripheral surface adapted to substantially conform to, and fit and or engage within, the cooperative protective helmet for engagement with the head of a wearer of the protective helmet, the at least one liner wall having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface adapted to be disposed adjacent the interior surface of the cooperative safety helmet system and the inner surfaces adapted to be spaced from the interior surface of the helmet whereby the cooperative encountered impact frequency and force canceling multi-layered memory foam encountered frequency force canceling liner system may be inserted or removed from/into the protective helmet and self-adjusts (surface domes expands and contracts) to conform to the head of the wearer of the protective helmet; and at least one expandable or adjustable band disposed along a portion of the outer surface of the liner wall, whereby the at least one expandable band provides for the adjustment of the cooperative multi-layered memory foam encountered frequency and force canceling liner system to the head of the wearer of the protective helmet system.

A further feature of the adjustable helmet memory foam encountered impact and frequency canceling liner system is that the at least one liner wall includes at least one helmet attachment aperture adapted to connect the adjustable helmet liner to the protective helmet shell Another feature of the adjustable helmet liner is that the at least one liner wall may include at least one band attachment aperture adapted to connect the at least one adjustable and expandable band to the at least one shell liner wall. An additional feature of the adjustable and expandable safety helmet liner is that the inner surface of the at least one liner wall may include at least one multi-layered encountered impact frequency and force canceling impact memory foam absorption pad. A further feature of the adjustable helmet liner is that the at least one memory foam encountered impact absorption pad preferably formed of multiple frequency and force attenuated layers having different plastic foam material. Each layer having a wide variety of variable qualities and characteristics as needed depending upon the specific application thus canceling a wider range of 3-dimensional encountered impact(s) frequency and shock waves in conjunction with the safety helmets cooperative components characteristics of the current invention having a variety of significant advantages over the prior art. Another feature of the cooperative memory foam self-adjustable helmet liner is that the plastic foam material(s) may be a variety of a closed cell plastic foam material(s) and characteristics configured as needed.

Preferably the encountered energy management structure platforms are composed of three different memory foam layers having three different density response compression and return characteristics; the lightest memory return layer (ellipsed dome and first layer) being in contact with the head of the wearer, the firmest memory return layer being preferably located in the middle of the platform; the mid-grade memory return layer being located against and secure to the helmet shell.

The current invention encompasses having improved 3-dimensional cooperative (synergistic) encountered impact frequency and force canceling characteristics more specifically from encountered impact(s) surface accelerations and waveguide stress transferring characteristics having synergistic combinations of memory return reinforced helmet shell having encountered impact nullifying characteristics and selective frequency transferring characteristics to said multi-layered memory foam encountered energy management structures pads platforms having less weight and an improved chin strap receiving guide having an elongated arch. As an option or optionally the reinforced memory return helmet and cooperative suspension apparatus preferably encompass multi-layered memory foam pads that may break their internal bubbles upon an extreme encountered impact additionally having the advantage of expanding the operational P.S.I. range and narrowing the operational P.S.I. range of said memory foam helmet safety pads as having different types of tunable cooperative characteristics for encountered impacts, speeds having frequencies and force that produce different types of brain injuries as the prior art does not consider or ignores these and other encountered impact “frequencies” combined with the reflective shape/geometry of the wearer's skull and safety helmet characteristics. When these encountered complex frequencies collide and collapse with each other they produce cavitation shockwave effects generating previously unknown harmful frequencies that produce CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy), that are generally within the megahertz range producing vortex angle(s), producing localized molecular cleaving, such encountered frequency collision(s) further produce localized high heat, having temperatures in excess of the boiling point of the brain's cells and tissues, thus producing localized acidosis induced hypoxia, inflammation, cell death, or partial cell death that produce scar tissue. Note the brain's resultant scar tissue that is formed of dead and damaged cells, resulting from CTE, cannot perform their function(s) and create a microenvironment that is predisposed to a variety of cell mutations and promotes pathogen survival and propagation that need to be significantly modulated, canceled, and eliminated as needed to provide short and long term encountered impact protection when wearing the safety helmet.

The current invention safety helmet methods and apparatuses are separate and distinct from the prior art's return reinforcement geometries and provide safety helmet methods and apparatuses having a previously unavailable range of memory protection from encountered harmful impact characteristics.

Helmets of the present invention typically include memory foam pad “layers” each having variable compression qualities and characteristics that are minimally affected by heat or cold. They may optionally include removable, washable, and or replaceable helmet suspension system(s) for ease of removal, cleaning and reinstalling that provide a wide range of comfortable operating temperatures and humidity.

An additional feature of the cooperative memory foam adjustable helmet liner cooperative systems is that closed cell plastic foam materials may be cross-linked polyethylene, etc. A further feature of the inventive adjustable cooperative helmet liner system is that at least one liner wall may be formed of a plastic material and be compatible with a variety of compressive foams and plastics and resins known within the art.

An additional feature of the current invention's cooperative memory foam adjustable helmet liner cooperative system is that the plurality of edge surfaces of the second side wall may include fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth edge surfaces, the fifth and seventh edge surfaces being disposed substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis, and the sixth and eighth edge surfaces being disposed substantially parallel to the second longitudinal axis. A further feature of the cooperative adjustable helmet liner system is that the plurality of edge surfaces of the rear wall can include ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth edge surfaces, the ninth and eleventh edge surfaces preferably being disposed substantially perpendicular to the third longitudinal axis, and the tenth and twelfth edge surfaces being disposed substantially parallel to the third longitudinal axis.

In accordance with the current invention the foregoing advantages have also been achieved through the present invention's safety helmets system comprising: a cooperative reinforced memory return helmet shell having an interior surface, portions of the interior surface having encountered frequency force canceling pad or platform structures disposed thereon in a spaced relationship; other portions of the interior surface being exposed in the spaces between the platform pad structures; having automatic adjusting characteristics and a multi-layered memory foam filled encountered frequency force canceling liner for the safety helmet shell; the cooperative self-adjusting helmet liner including a liner wall having a peripheral surface adapted to substantially conform to, and fit and or engage within, the spaces between the memory foam filled encountered frequency force canceling pad platform system of said safety helmet for improved engagement and comfort with the head of a wearer of the protective helmet; the at least two multi-layered memory foam frequency force canceling liner walls platform preferably having a generally ellipsed dome-shaped top outer (exterior) surface and an inner surface; the outer surface adapted to be disposed adjacent the interior surface of said safety helmet liner and the inner surface adapted to be spaced from the interior surface of said safety helmet liner system whereby said liner may be inserted into said safety helmet, and the ellipsed domed surface height automatically adjusts to the head of the wearer of said safety helmet(s); and at least one expandable and adjustable band disposed along a portion of the outer surface, whereby the at least one expandable and adjustable band provides for individual comfort adjustments of the multi-layered memory foam frequency force canceling liner(s) to the individual head of the wearer of the protective said safety helmet system.

A further feature of the protective helmet is that the at least one liner wall may be formed of two or preferably three or more plastic foam materials having different compression and return characteristics as needed.

The adjustable helmet liner system compression and return characteristics may be tailored to cooperatively improve the reinforced continuous coil protective helmet(s) of the present invention, when compared with prior art safety helmets having helmet liners, having a previously unavailable advantages of: providing encountered multi-dimensional impact frequency force canceling characteristics from a wide variety of encountered helmet impacts directions and locations and providing improved automatic adjustments to different head weights, shapes, and sizes; and providing improved fit and comfort to the head of the wearer of the protective helmet, particularly juvenile safety helmets.

The protective helmet further typically includes cooperative components and systems comprising a reinforced facial and mandibular protector attached to the reinforced safety helmet shell and configured to at least partially surround a face of the wearer. Preferably the safety helmet has a center of gravity which, when the helmet is being worn, is substantially the same in two-dimensional location as the ventral-dorsal plane of the head of the wearer. It further typically includes a memory return reinforced shell having cooperative components in frequency capturing and frequency canceling attenuating encountered impacts.

In certain cases, the protective helmet further encompasses a ridgeline recessed inwardly (receiving channel or guide) from the interior compartment of the helmet and protruding outwardly from the exterior edge of the helmet, further encompassing padding disposed in the interior compartment and a light-weight memory return reinforced faceguard made from an ultra-high density high molecular weight polymer coupled to the helmet, the faceguard defining a concave region having a generally planar surface. The concave receiving region of the faceguard engages the ridgeline of the interior compartment to provide a smooth transition from the exterior surface of the helmet to the faceguard to reduce snagging, catching, or grabbing another faceguard or other protective body gear while the safety helmet configuration is worn during a contact activity.

Further included as part of the cooperative system is a composite multi-axial impact protection liner for a helmet that reduces rotational acceleration, rotational strain rate, and rotational strain that can cause concussions.

The present application further discloses a memory return reinforced safety helmet system having an encountered impact attenuating liner system for a reinforced helmet, employing encountered energy management structures for a reinforced helmet. The helmet generally comprises a memory return reinforced helmet shell and an impact liner system removably attached to the reinforced helmet shell. In certain embodiments, the impact liner system comprises a plurality of compressible encountered energy management structures and one or more carriers for supporting the encountered energy management structures within the reinforced helmet shell. The encountered frequency management structures are positioned between an interior surface of the helmet shell and the head of a user when the encountered impact liner system is attached to the helmet shell.

Internal padding contacts an inner surface of the inner reinforced shell and an encountered energy absorbing layer is positioned between the inner shell and the outer shell assembly. Upon receiving an encountered impact force, the external encountered energy absorbing layers and the outer reinforced shell assembly dampens impact encountered energy before it reaches the wearer's head to protect the brain.

A protective football helmet is provided having a face guard mounting system with one continuous mounting region receiving channel or groove that ensures a low-profile mounting arrangement for a face guard to the helmet. The recessed receiving and mounting regions are formed in both the inner and outer surfaces of the helmet shell along a frontal opening in the shell. As a result of the streamlined frontal appearance provided by the face guard receiving channel or groove mounting system, the width of the face guard closely corresponds to the width of the helmet at the recessed receiving channel or groove mounting regions.

The helmet preferably has a one-piece molded shell with an encountered impact attenuation system, specifically for protection from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (C.T.E.) and concussions. The memory return reinforced cast is purposely engineered to change how the whole helmet responds to an encountered impact force applied substantially normal to the front portion as compared to how other portions of the helmet memory return reinforced shell respond to that encountered impact force.

The reinforced and encountered impact canceling safety helmet of the present invention preferably has a pre-engineered encountered energy dispersion system comprising a shell, a reinforced continuous coil impact canceling system, and liner configured to receive a portion of a head of wearer of the helmet, the reinforced shell comprising an outer surface and an inner surface; a series of memory return reinforced continuous coils; filler material; wherein the series of overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” are entirely encased within the filler material to form a encountered impact frequency canceling and reinforcement layer, the encountered impact frequency canceling and reinforcement layer having a first filler resin surface and a filler resin opposing surface, the surface of the memory return reinforced reinforcement encountered impact frequency canceling layer generally facing toward the inner surface of the shell, the reinforcement layer being located proximate the inner surface of the shell, forming a basic safety helmet assembly.

The safety helmet further, preferably includes cooperative components and systems comprising a reinforced facial and mandibular protector attached to the reinforced safety helmet shell and configured to at least partially surround a face of the wearer. Preferably the safety helmet has a center of gravity which, when the helmet is being worn, is substantially the same in two-dimensional location as the ventral-dorsal plane of the head of the wearer.

The present invention further includes a protective safety helmet including a memory return reinforced shell further having cooperative components in frequency capturing and frequency canceling attenuating encountered impacts.

In certain aspects, the present invention further encompasses a ridgeline recessed inwardly (receiving channel or guide) from the interior compartment of the helmet and protruding outwardly from the exterior edge of the helmet, further encompassing padding disposed in the interior compartment of the, a light-weight memory return reinforced faceguard made from an ultra-high density high molecular weight polymer coupled to the helmet, and the faceguard defines a concave region having a generally planar surface. The concave receiving region of the faceguard engages the ridgeline of the interior compartment to provide a smooth transition from the exterior surface of the helmet to the faceguard to reduce snagging, catching, or grabbing another faceguard or other protective body gear while the safety helmet configuration is worn during a contact activity.

Oftentimes, a composite multi-axial impact protection liner for a helmet is provided as part of the cooperative system that reduces rotational acceleration, rotational strain rate, and rotational strain that cause concussions. The present application further discloses a memory return reinforced safety helmet system having an encountered impact attenuating liner system for a reinforced helmet, employing encountered energy management structures for a reinforced helmet. The helmet generally comprises a memory return reinforced helmet shell and an impact liner system removably attached to the reinforced helmet shell. In certain embodiments, the impact liner system comprises a plurality of compressible encountered energy management structures and one or more carriers for supporting the encountered energy management structures within the reinforced helmet shell. The encountered frequency management structures are positioned between an interior surface of the helmet shell and the head of a user when the encountered impact liner system is attached to the helmet shell. Internal padding contacts an inner surface of the inner reinforced shell and an encountered energy absorbing layers is positioned between the inner shell and the outer shell assembly.

Upon receiving an encountered impact force, the external encountered energy absorbing layers and the outer reinforced shell assembly dampens impact encountered energy before it reaches the wearer's head to protect the brain.

A protective football helmet is provided having a face guard mounting system with one continuous mounting region receiving channel or groove that ensures a low-profile mounting arrangement for a face guard to the helmet. The recessed receiving and mounting regions are formed in both the inner and outer surfaces of the helmet shell along a frontal opening in the shell. As a result of the streamlined frontal appearance provided by the face guard receiving channel or groove mounting system, the width of the face guard closely corresponds to the width of the helmet at the recessed receiving channel or groove mounting regions.

The helmet preferably has a one-piece molded shell with an encountered impact attenuation system, specifically for protection from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (C.T.E.) and concussions.

The memory return reinforced encountered impact attenuation system is purposely engineered to change how the whole helmet responds to an encountered impact force applied substantially normal to the front portion as compared to how other portions of the helmet memory return reinforced shell respond to that encountered impact force.

The reinforced and encountered impact canceling safety helmet typically has a pre-engineered encountered energy dispersion system comprising a shell, a reinforced continuous coil impact canceling system, and liner configured to receive a portion of a head of wearer of the helmet, the reinforced shell comprising an outer surface and an inner surface; a series of memory return reinforced continuous coils; filler material; wherein the series of overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” are entirely encased within the filler material to form a encountered impact frequency canceling and reinforcement layer, the encountered impact frequency canceling and reinforcement layer having a first filler resin surface and a filler resin opposing surface, the surface of the memory return reinforced reinforcement encountered impact frequency canceling layer generally facing toward the inner surface of the shell, the reinforcement layer being located proximate the inner surface of the shell, forming a basic safety helmet assembly.

The following table regarding American football helmets was summarized from US Publ. No. 20130247285, Adam J. Bartsch and Edward C. Benzel inventors.

American Style Football Helmet Weights

MANUFACTURER MODEL MASS Adams A2000 1.40 A4 1.30 Riddell VSR-4 1.90 Revolution 1.81 Revolution IQ 1.90 Revolution Speed 1.87 Schutt Air Advantage 1.68 Air XP 1.77 DNA Pro+ 1.91 Ion 4D 1.98 Xenith X1 1.97 Rawlings Quantum 2.02 Average — 1.79

Current Varsity football helmets add anywhere from 29% to 44% additional mass to the head of the wearer, when comparing youth head sizes and helmet mass. Thus, when comparing helmet mass as a percentage of head mass, youths aged 7.5 to 17.0 years of age wear helmets that weigh 40% to 43% of their total head mass.

When helmets weighing 1.59 kg to 3.40 kg were tested in an impact environment, data indicates that neck shear and tension loads, as well as extension bending torque and Neck Injury Criterion (Nij), are statistically significantly proportional between increased HSM and these injury risk metrics. Research has shown a link between higher neck force, neck torque and Nij, and heavier helmet mass. Masses increased neck muscle activation and increased pain for volunteers. These studies pointed to possible injurious consequences with high-g loading.

Lighter mass helmets may potentially help reduce concussion, head, neck and spine injury. Furthermore, the total mass varies by 0.72 kg which indicates weight can be significantly reduced while simultaneously improving current protection, and while being constructed of different materials (EPP foam vs. vinyl nitrile vs. air dampers vs. conical plastic, etc.).

That indicates that ventral and rostral helmet CG locations produce the highest risk of neck injury in encountered omnidirectional impacts; that this ventral and rostral helmet CG location tends to pull the head ventral and caudal, causing some athletes to rest their front-heavy helmets against their sternum in between plays. A ventral and caudal posture, such as that encouraged by most current helmet designs, increases the risk for brain, neck, head, and spine injury due to improper tackling alignment of the head and neck. Ventral and rostral helmet CG location also exacerbates bending torques for helmet contact locations and could also increase loading for players subjected to inertial loading in a “whiplash” style tackle. Thus, to help reduce brain, neck, head, and spine injury risk of the wearer from injury during athletic competition or other activities, the football helmet CG preferably could be placed in line with the ventral-dorsal plane of the head CG, and, caudal to the head CG. Such football helmet CG placement is substantially the same in three-dimensional location as the head CG, and/or is substantially the same in two-dimensional location as the ventral-dorsal plane of the wearer's head CG and simultaneously caudal to the wearer's head CG, providing improved stability to the head/helmet, and help the head to maintain upright posture as desired.

American style football helmet designs have not yet been designed to place mass at predetermined distances from head CG. Hence, the current invention's encountered impact frequency capturing memory return reinforced safety helmet shell, energy management platform structures (liner), and faceguard (facial-mandibular protection) cooperative system will help lower risk of mTBI to American style tackle football players.

Particularly, injury risk due to mTBI in the coronal plane should be primarily attenuated through predetermined maximum helmet MOI, as rotation of the helmet wearer's head in this plane has been shown to carry higher injury risk with similar encountered impact magnitudes as compared to rotations caused by sagittal and transverse plane directed impacts encountered.

Helmets are primarily designed for the adult athlete (professional, collegiate, or varsity high school; (any non-youth player)). Currently safety helmet testing standards exist only for mature athlete American style football helmets, and not for youth (junior varsity high school, middle school, grade school). Approved adult American style football helmet designs are virtually scaled down for adolescent or youth player, and are often nearly identical to adult helmets in form and function. However, it can be undesirable to address youth and adolescent football players as “smaller adults”, particularly for American style tackle football helmet designs due to their rapidly developing neurological, cognitive, and musculoskeletal systems. Therefore, down-scaling of Varsity American style football helmets to fit and or engage “smaller adult” heads of younger players might not be appropriate.

From the table below, it can be seen that the American style football helmet weights for youths are comparable, and sometimes heavier (15.0 YO and 17.0 YO), than the average of Mature ‘Varsity’ helmets.

Age, body weight and helmet for Varsity (mature) and youth/adolescent American style tackle football helmets.

Average Age (years) Average body weight (kg) 7.5 (n = 9) 30.1  9.1 (n = 27) 39.1 10.9 (n = 17) 42.6 15.0 (n = 17) 75.8 17.0 (n = 22) 82.2 Varsity 77.7 (Mature, n = 11)

Therefore, youth and adolescent player anthropometry (head and neck size) and neck strength (neck forces and torques) can serve to generate design and scaling factors to predict improved American style football helmet characteristics.

When considering the MOI scaling factors, which are based on neck depth and breadth assuming prismatic beam theory, the MOI about both flexion/extension and lateral bending axes for the 7.5 year-olds is only 32% of the mature subjects. This indicates a significant theoretical drop in resistance to bending torques simply by virtue of their thinner necks. Note the 15.0 and 17.0 year-olds had similar MOIs to each other and to the Mature subjects.

The younger subjects' scaling indicates that they could potentially absorb higher linear acceleration (4% to 6%) as well as HIC (6% to 10%) values. Varsity (Mature) American style football helmet weight is comparable to youth/adolescent helmet weight.

Constant stress scaling indicates that 15.0 and 17.0 year-olds have comparable force and moment scaling to mature subjects. The younger subjects have much different tolerance to force (57% to 67%) and moment (43% to 55%) loading. This significantly lower tolerance factor should preferably be accounted for in American style tackle football safety helmet designs. Further, if isometric stress scaling were used, as opposed to the assumption of constant stress, these tolerances would decrease further.

When calculating theoretical American style football helmet masses based on force and moment scaling, it can be seen that the largest change could be made to American style football helmets currently worn by subjects 10.9 years-old and younger. The current American style football helmets, weighing 1.74 kg should be modified to about 0.65 kg to 1.00 kg.

In other words, youth and adolescent players have large heads on a slender neck and less strength-to-area for their neck musculature. Helmets for youths are preferably scaled in proportion to their head size as well as neck strength as summarized in the current invention.

In a specified embodiment, the current invention encompasses methods and apparatuses for correlating the relationship between the reinforced memory return attenuating devices and the encountered impact (acceleration), weight and age having the innovative advantage of tunable characteristics to reduce and or eliminate the encountered frequencies that induce CTE and the encountered frequencies that induce concussion tailored to the player's weight, age, and size as needed.

Current Varsity (mature) American style football helmet mass primarily comes from 3 areas (about a third each for the faceguard (facial and mandibular protector), helmet shell, and interior suspension padding). The current invention encompasses lighter and thinner helmet shells that provide more flexural energy absorption. As an example, a helmet shell is formed from impact resistant plastic or polymer materials, such as polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or nylon. Because durable hard materials like polycarbonate or ABS lack the aforementioned optimized encountered energy absorption characteristics, durable soft materials like toughened elastomers are thus preferred.

This type of “softshell” concept can attenuate energy (lower peak acceleration with longer contact duration) particularly during a head-to-head contact better than currently used polycarbonate or ABS helmets. Possible suitable helmet shell materials may include, but are not limited to: ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), Aluminum ceramic foams, Ceramic sheeting, Graphene, Carbon foams, Carbon fiber composites, Closed cell foams, Expanded polystyrene (EPS) or polypropylene (EPP), Epoxy or thermoplastic composite, Fiberglass, Fluid filled chambers, Magnesium, Nanotubes, Open cell foams, Polycarbonate, Polymer, and or Polyurethane in conjunction with memory return reinforcement as disclosed herein.

The American style football helmet may benefit from surface geometries that deflect causing the striking object to glance off, thus resulting in less energy absorption by the struck object (e.g., helmeted head) than would have occurred if the blow were direct.

Facial and mandibular protectors (faceguards) are currently made with plastics, carbon steel or titanium and are not intended to absorb energy, but instead are designed to prevent facial injuries and remain rigidly in place throughout an encountered collision. These facial and mandibular protectors are preferably relatively light in weight, thus facilitating the normalization of the CG of the American style football helmet to the CG of the wearer's head.

It is preferable to reduce the coefficient of friction of the helmet. Plastic shelled helmets have yet to be designed to reduce encountered friction, and to deflect loading and reduce encountered energy transmission to the wearer's head. Low friction can be attained by changing geometry (current helmets flat on the sides is preferably rounded to deflect encountered impacts) as well as having material optimization characteristics (softshell concepts can create surface tension as low as 20 dyne).

For example, many helmets use carbon steel facial and mandibular protectors. Use of memory return reinforced polycarbonate as disclosed herein could reduce the facial and mandibular protector mass by about 75% and total helmet mass by approximately 24%. Using composite memory return reinforced facial and mandibular protectors would further reduce overall helmet mass as needed in the art.

Inner liner padding of helmets has commonly been vinyl nitrile foam, air chambers, high impact expanded polypropylene (EPP), expanded polystyrene (EPS), or the like. These materials are selected for optimal and cooperative energy absorption characteristics, which are much higher than accelerations experienced on the playing field.

Newer materials, like those listed below, can be used to attenuate encountered impacts/energy at a wider range of encountered energies (including NOCSAE-impact tests) to protect against routine and catastrophic impacts. Examples of suitable materials that can be used include: Poron XRD® available from the Rogers Corporation, of Rogers, Conn., and designed to attenuate impacts preferably paired with memory return reinforcement of the current invention.

The helmets may optionally encompass viscoelastic padding used to deflect proportional to the impact velocity and is softer against lower g-force impacts, stiffest against highest impact seventies. These materials have a complex modulus, which is a function of deflection rate, Young's modulus, and percent compression and has high potential when cooperating with memory return reinforced “coils” paired with concomitant encountered energy absorbing outer layer that minimizes encountered harmful impact generated frequencies.

Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, for example, though certain components described herein are shown as having specific geometric shapes, all structures of the present invention may have any suitable shapes, sizes, configurations, relative relationships, cross-sectional areas, or any other physical characteristics as desirable for a particular application of the present invention. The American style tackle football helmet may include a plurality of structures cooperatively forming any components thereof and temporarily or permanently attached together in such a manner as to permit relative motion (e.g., pivoting, sliding, or any other motion). Any structures or features described with reference to one embodiment or configuration of the present invention could be provided, singly or in combination with other structures or features, to any other embodiment or configuration, as it would be impractical to describe each of the embodiments and configurations discussed herein as having all of the options discussed with respect to all of the other embodiments and configurations.

The reinforced helmet shell may be made from a polymer or plastic material having the requisite strength and durability characteristics to enable the helmet to be used in contact sports such as American football, hockey, and lacrosse, or for use in military or police applications.

The padding platforms may preferably be made from multi-layer polymeric cellular materials; however, the padding platforms may also be made having different desirable compression resistant properties as needed.

The liner energy management structure platforms can reduce the chance of a concussion and or traumatic brain injury, such as CTE, associated with repetitive multidirectional head impacts. The helmet liner energy management structures can contribute to reduce traumatic brain injury sustained by players during both linear (translational) impact and during angular (rotational) impact.

The liner energy management structures platforms can be removably inserted into the safety helmet or can be permanently affixed to the reinforced helmet system that provides previously unavailable technologies offering improved injury protection, performance, and personal comfort.

The methods and apparatuses of the current invention can be configured to work with various helmets, including helmets provided by manufacturers such as Riddell, Schutt, Rawlings, Xenith, and SG Helmets, etc.

The current invention encompasses employing calculations, experimentations, and dynamic models of brain damage of encountered impact to optimize and configure the safety helmet system for certain applications having specific functions, including tailoring for incorporation into particular helmet designs.

Calculations, experimentations, and new designs can provide the desired stiffness and rotational flexibility for protection of the wearer's head while at the same time provide active rate dependent dissipation of encountered impact energy. As an option, the current invention can use a polymer composite having an active viscoelastic shell and a honeycomb layer(s) to provide protection. The current invention design mitigates the effect of various encountered impacts upon the wearer. Types of encountered impacts include the major forces acting on the helmet during encountered impact(s): contact force, linear force, vector force direction, and rotational force.

The current invention design, in particular, addresses issues relating to rotational force, which is a shortcoming in many conventional helmet designs. Helmets incorporating the current invention provide stiffness for protection of the wearer's head while also providing active dissipation of rotational encountered impact energy common to off-center encountered impacts, that are particularly associated with concussion. Other embodiments include various laminates of three or more energy management structures, and one or more platform padding layers positioned in various orders, as needed.

The helmet does its intended job of absorbing linear impacts when the energy management structures padding platform layers located inside its shell platform compress upon hitting an object, absorbing the impact and dissipating the energy quickly and efficiently. This process unfolds over a limited distance of the padding platform layers thickness before the multi-layered memory foam of the platform padding layers densify as its pores collapse, for example. The fully compressed energy management structures dense foam platform layer becomes very resistant to additional compression or shear or rotation and the force on the head of the wearer increases dramatically, which can result in injury to the wearer's head. How much energy the energy management structures padding layer platforms can dissipate before it densifies depends on the speed of encountered impact and the compression of the energy management structures padding layer platform.

At high speeds, a stiffer energy management structures padding layer platform performs better, while at lower speeds, a softer padding layer offers better protection, but no single type of padding layer is optimal for all scenarios. Regardless of the padding layer used, however, thicker layers generally perform better than thinner layers by absorbing more linear impact energy before densifying.

A helmet, including the energy management structures can be designed for protection of various encountered impact forces, including contact force at the location of impact/injury and inertial forces that are theoretically a primary cause of concussive injuries.

That medium level rotational impact(s) can induce enough skull flexure to generate potentially damaging loads in the brain, even without direct head encountered impact. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result from mechanical loads in the brain, often without skull fracture, and cause complex, long-lasting symptoms as described herein. An object of the current invention is to reduce the incidence of Traumatic Brain Injury.

Additional rotational impact(s) affects the brain very differently from direct impact(s). The primary source of injury from direct impact is the force resulting from the acceleration of the head. In contrast, in rotational shear the skull can create pressures as large as an injury-inducing impact and can result in pressure gradients in the brain that are much larger than those from direct impact.

Such rotational shear occurs even when the radial head accelerations induced by an encountered impact(s) are much less than from a direct impact. For example, prior art American style football helmet designs prevent fractured skulls, but the brain is still experiencing angular acceleration and movement after an encountered impact to the helmet.

In one aspect, the memory return reinforced safety helmet method and apparatus significantly reduces the probability of helmet fracturing and or requires a much higher degree of impact to fracture said safety helmet, thus the entire memory return reinforced safety helmet of the current invention thus reinforces the entire helmet and simultaneously provides specific encountered frequency generated attenuation as needed such as but not limited to protection from CTE and concussion. An object of the invention is to provide significant reinforcement of the safety helmet encompassing the memory return reinforcement apparatuses of the current invention.

In one aspect, the present invention encompasses attenuating/dampening the encountered impact frequencies that cause blackouts and the encountered impact frequency collapses that produces shockwaves that cause CTE and other brain damaging effects.

Linear vector force(s) can result in a brain deceleration injury. Following encountered impact, the brain moves forward in the skull where the frontal lobes of the brain repetitively strikes the inside of the skull, potentially resulting in a contusion, followed by a rebound (contre-coup) injury that may occur to the occipital lobe(s) of the brain as the brain reflects backwards within the skull. The linear vector force can further cause stretching and/or tearing of neurons in the brain stem and/or throughout the brain.

Such encountered rotational forces can result in a contusion. The brain rotates on its axis causing stretching and/or tearing of neurons. Similar stretching or tearing of blood vessels can result in a hematoma. At the end of the movement, the brain can strike the skull causing highly complex wave reflection and wave collisions (collapse) producing cavitation effects.

This highly compressible energy management structures' flexible sandwich platform structures can absorb energy by 75% compression of the original thickness and subsequently return to pre-impacted shape within a short period of time without permanent damage or degradation in strength providing improved cushioning and energy absorption while providing a stable landing platform(s), reducing encountered impact shock, stress, and fatigue, and can therefore be readily tailored to obtain desired properties.

The inventive encountered energy management structure platforms can also have a tailored compression characteristics, preferably having three different layers each having different compression and return characteristics, exhibiting a nonlinear response to reduce the possibility of a user's head from bottoming out against the helmet shell in response to an impact having a designated characteristic. The energy management structures platforms can be flexible both in high and low angular strain rate due to the combined memory foam layers having different material characteristics that can further provide a time-dependent adaptive response to encountered impacts.

Incorporation of the encountered energy management structure platforms can be incorporated without impeding the vibration dampening property of the helmet shell. The encountered energy management structure platforms provide a durable, lightweight, low profile, and low maintenance addition to a protective helmet and can be adapted for various head sizes. A helmet including an encountered energy management structure platforms provided by the present technology can better protect a wearer's head and may reduce the effect of an impact on the wearer's skull, brain, neck, and/or spine.

The encountered energy management structure platforms provide a wider range of multidirectional and rotational impact damping by utilizing the synergistic effect of the different compression and return characteristics of the encountered energy management structure platforms.

Advantageous technical benefits of the present disclosure are that this new helmet system will reduce rotational acceleration, reduce linear acceleration, and reduce contact forces and impact vibration generated from an actual impact during the game.

The present application further discloses a reinforced safety helmet having an impact liner system for a helmet, and encountered energy management structures for a helmet. The impact liner system generally comprises a plurality of compressible encountered energy management platform structures that line the interior of the helmet shell and are positioned between the user's head and the helmet shell. In the embodiments disclosed herein, the impact liner system is described for use with a military helmet shell.

However, the impact liner system of the present application may also be used with a variety of other safety helmets, including, but not limited to, sporting helmets, such as football, lacrosse, hockey, multi-sport, cycling, softball, or baseball helmets, or other safety helmets, such as industrial or construction helmets. Additionally, the impact energy management structures liner platforms system of the present application may be used as an impact or encountered energy management structure in a variety of other applications, such as, for example, vehicle or aircraft seating, vehicle occupant padding, and floor padding of workplace or recreational facilities. Furthermore, the impact liner of the present application may be used to protect other parts of the body.

During an encountered impact event, the head of the user may experience peak accelerations or “g” forces. This may occur, for example, when the head and brain comes to a sudden or violent stop within the helmet. The impact liner system of the present application is configured to manage the acceleration response of the user's head and minimize the amount of peak accelerations experienced by the user during an encountered impact event. The term “Acceleration”, as used herein, describes both acceleration and deceleration.

The impact energy management structures' liner platforms system may also be “tunable” to provide a range of compression and return and combination of responses. One exemplary method of “tuning” the impact liner system is to use various combinations of energy management structures platforms and materials for the components of the impact attenuation system. For example, platforms structures and/or platforms materials of a first layer and portion of an encountered energy management structure platform may differ from a second portion of the encountered energy management structure. Further, the energy management structures impact liner system platform(s) may comprise one or more layered platform pads having a different compression and return characteristics.

The impact liner system of the present application may also comprise a carrier system for supporting and positioning the compressible encountered energy management structures within the helmet shell. The encountered energy management structures platforms may be removably attached to the carrier system such that one or more of the encountered energy management structures platforms may be removed from the carrier system and replaced with a similar or different encountered energy management structure. Further, the carrier system may also be removed from the helmet shell and replaced with a similar or different carrier system. As such, the impact liner system may be configured for use in a variety of different applications.

The plurality of encountered energy management platform structures are configured to predictably compress and return and/or otherwise deform upon impact to absorb and/or dissipate the encountered impact energy from the force of the encountered impact or impacts.

However, a wide variety of other attachment features may be used to attach one or more of the encountered energy management platform structure.

The encountered energy management structures platforms are configured such that they predictably compress and return during an impact event to absorb and/or dissipate the impact encountered energy from the force of the encountered impact or series of encountered impacts, known as train impacts, thereby prohibiting excessive plastic (i.e., permanent) deformation and improving performance for multiple high compression impacts. Further, during an encountered impact event, the vertical wall of the inner structure will work in concert with the outer vertical wall to produce an overall compressive response profile of the encountered energy management system. The compressive response profile of the outer vertical wall will be added to the compressive response profile of the vertical wall of the inner structure to produce the overall compressive response profile of the encountered energy management system.

Additionally, the use of the inner energy management structure platform allows for the use of three different types of memory foam layers within the energy management structure, one for the outer wall and one for the central wall one for the inner wall, to achieve a unique pre-engineered overall compressive response system. This can be used to balance properties such as temperature operating range, or compressive strength versus multi-compression durability.

The compression of the encountered energy management structure provides a first and second and third compression and return response characteristics that permits the head of the user to gently accelerate to a stop after impact.

The ideal response of a structure depends on the specific application, for example in a helmet it must behave appropriately for the expected impact encountered energy levels, multiple impact requirements, temperature operating range and other factors. It should be noted that the encountered energy management structures platforms can be made from different materials or similar materials in order to provide a more ideal attenuating curve for the actual impact application.

The ellipsed dome and memory foam layer preferably provides an initial “give” or pliability. This initial “give” provides a comfort response to the overall performance of the encountered energy management structure. Reference FIG. 4A

This initial “give” provides a comfort response to the overall performance of the encountered energy management structures. Along with this generally softer initial response, the compressed vertical wall of the encountered energy management structure platforms may be further compressed than the vertical wall of the encountered energy management structure platforms while still maintaining a nearly perfect elastic response (i.e., a full return (rebound) or very minimal permanent deformation), thereby improving performance for multiple encountered high compression impacts, including train waves as disclosed herein.

The vertical wall of the encountered energy management structures platforms provides a greater compression and return response characteristic than the vertical wall alone of the encountered energy management structure platforms. This greater compression and return response characteristic is due to a more efficient compression-deformation mode than the vertical wall alone. However, in some embodiments, the vertical wall of the encountered energy management structures platforms may reach a point of plastic deformation at lesser compressive strains than the vertical wall.

The encountered energy management structures of the present application may comprise a variety of materials. For example, the material(s) of the encountered energy management structures may range from soft elastomers to stiff thermoplastics and thermosets or even metals, as this can aid in tuning the liner for optimal performance across multiple encountered helmet impact locations.

A suitable material may be selected based on its performance across a range of temperatures and the environment in which the encountered impact helmet liner system platforms will likely be used. In some embodiments, the material of the encountered energy management structures may be selected to counteract the negative changes of other helmet components, such as the stiffening of a helmet shell in colder conditions.

The material of the encountered energy management structures platforms may also be selected based on its strain rate sensitivity. For example, a highly strain rate sensitive material may permit varying degrees of rate stiffening in the encountered energy management structures platforms during the varying deformation modes. Such materials may be used to provide an encountered energy management structure platform that compresses in an encountered impact event(s) and returns (expands) when the collision is not at impact rates or in lower velocity impact event(s). This may be advantageous when compared to other safety helmet materials which may compress at pre-engineered impact rates when compared to nearly static loading, but do not show appreciable compression and return characteristics when loaded at two rates that are not greatly disparate.

The pads platforms may be configured to deform or collapse upon impact and consume a portion of the encountered impact energy. The pads platforms generally provide a substantially softer initial crush response than that of the encountered energy management structure platforms while still maintaining a nearly perfect elastic response (i.e., a full rebound or very minimal permanent deformation, depending on materials utilized). Furthermore, the pads platforms may be configured to comfort various portions of the user's head and may be used to adjust the sizing and fit and engagement of the helmet on the user's head.

As an option the energy management structures pads platforms may also be encased in a fabric and/or film material.

The encountered energy management structures platforms are generally injected molded from three pieces of different materials. The multiple components may be injection molded and may be RF welded together. Other methods for fabricating and assembling the encountered energy management structures platforms may also be used, such as, for example, ultrasonic, heat staking, co-molding, insert molding, thermoforming, or rotomolding. Void spaces within the structure may also be filled with foam or other padding or elastomeric material to alter the compression and return response of the structure. The filler materials may be pre-fabricated to shape and press-fit or adhered in place. The filler material may also be poured or formed in place within each platform structure.

The pads' structures of the present invention generally have a thickness between about 0.10 inch and about 0.30 inch. For example, in one embodiment, the thickness of the pad structures is about 0.20 inch. Pads of various thicknesses may also be used to adjust the sizing, fit, and engagement of the safety helmet on the user's head.

The compression and return response characteristics of the impact liner system of the present application may be modified or tuned in a variety of ways. For example, the encountered energy management structures may be tuned to have a desired memory return response. In certain embodiments, these structures may be “tuned” without regard to the comfort or wearability of the helmet due to the presence of the pads structures. The memory return response of the encountered energy management structures may be “tuned” in a variety of ways, such as by altering the size (e.g., diameter, height, etc.), shape (e.g., cross sectional shape), wall thickness, angle, draft, or type of materials of three or more of the encountered energy management structures layers and components.

The encountered energy management structures may also be spaced or arranged to provide a desired spacing between platforms and the memory return response apparatuses such as but not limited to rectangular, staggered, patterned, or circular arrangements.

Once the encountered energy management structures are tuned to have a desired memory return response, the pads may be tuned to provide a desired memory return while still maintaining a degree of softness or comfort. For example, the type of material, density, thickness, shape, size, and configuration of the pads platforms may be altered to provide more or less memory return and comfort. As described herein, the memory return pads platforms may be configured to provide an initial comfort response and the vertical walls of the encountered energy management structure platforms provides a secondary encountered impact response, the secondary encountered impact response being more stiff than the initial comfort response.

The encountered impact liner system of the present invention may also be adapted and configured in a variety of ways. For example, any one or more of the encountered energy management platform structures may be removed from a carrier and replaced with a similar or different encountered energy management platform structure, e.g., with an encountered energy management structure preferably having different memory return responses. Further, the top portion of any one or more of the encountered energy management platform structures may be removed from the base portion and replaced with a similar or different memory return top portion. Still further, the bottom portion of any one or more of the encountered energy management platform structures may be removed from the top layer or portion and replaced with a similar or different bottom portion. In certain embodiments, the encountered energy management platform structures may be configured to provide a memory return stiffness response as for example when the threat is from high velocity impacts, such as ballistic or other high velocity impacts. In other embodiments, the energy management platform structures may be configured to provide a softer or less rigid memory return response when the threat is from lower velocity impacts.

The encountered impact liner system of the present application may also function as an adjustable ventilation system to cool the user's head. For example, as discussed herein, the carriers, energy management platform structures, and/or platform pads may comprise adjustable openings or slots that permit air to circulate between the head of the user and the helmet shell to facilitate warming and or cooling of the user's head as needed.

The internal encountered energy management structures platforms is preferably removable and contacts the inner surface of the inner shell. The internal padding may comprise a plurality of pads located within the inner shell adapted to contact various portions of the wearer's head, such as the forehead, temples, ears, jaw, crown and back of the head, as is well known to those skilled in the art. Typical utilized padding materials include foam padding, as for example polyurethane foam, rubber foam and PVC nitrile foam.

As shown in FIG. 3C, the helmet includes a plurality of adjustable air vents located through the front, top, and back of the helmet to allow for adjustment between closed completely to maximum air flow and to control the circulation rate inside the helmet air through the air vents.

Preferably, the padding including the air impact cell system for the helmet is a medical grade polymer such as thermoplastic urethane (“TPU”). Thus, the padding and air impact cell system is antifungal and will not freeze, harden, melt, crack, or leak.

As an example, the reinforced helmet shell may be constructed from a rigid plastic such as a polycarbonate, a rigid thermoplastic or a thermosetting resin, a composite fiber or possibly a liquid metal. One preferred material may be acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”).

Preferably the one-piece molded shell that includes a face guard mounting system featuring a curved recessed mounting area (receiving channel) that ensures a low-profile one piece receiving connection of the face guard to the helmet. This low-profile one piece receiving groove or channel connection system arrangement results in a streamlined, low-profile frontal appearance of the helmet thus the diameter of the face guard closely corresponds to the diameter of the helmet receiving channel or groove at the one piece receiving recessed mounting area.

It is understood by those of skill in the art of designing protective sports helmets that different regions of an American football helmet experience impacts of different types, magnitudes and durations during the course of playing the particular sport. It is also understood that the types, magnitudes and durations of highly complex impact forces upon a safety helmet are different in American football, hockey and lacrosse because these sports differ in many significant ways, e.g., the underlying nature of the play, the number and type of players, the protective equipment worn by the players, and the playing surface. It is further understood that while playing American football, a player may experience multiple impacts to the same or different regions of the safety helmet during a single play or a series of plays.

Although the embodiments of the protective helmet illustrated in the figures are ballistics and American style football helmets, it is to be understood that the present invention can also be used for other activities or sports including, but not limited to, baseball, hockey and lacrosse, for protection of the mandible area of the player. The face guard mounting system (reference FIG. 6 C) includes at least one piece recessed mounting region that extends vertically along the peripheral frontal edges of the helmet shell.

Said attachment region includes an aperture that receives an elongated fastener extending through the face guard receiving guide or groove, to removably secure the face guard to the shell. As explained herein, the lower face guard attachment region is recessed inward attachment region compared to the adjacent outer surface of the jaw flap.

These dimensions of the transition wall and shell ensure that the structural rigidity and flexural modulus of the safety helmet system are sufficiently high to enable the helmet system to withstand multiple impacts and impact forces, including those resulting from frontal impacts and slightly off-center frontal impacts.

The reinforced faceguard is suitably secured to the shell, having an upper peripheral portion of the face guard having a U-shaped receiving configuration residing within the periphery of the upper recessed attachment region.

These positional relationships are primarily due to the upper recessed attachment region which, along with the lower recessed attachment region, provides the low-profile recessed attachment region for connection of the face guard to the helmet shell.

As shown in FIGS. 6 A, B, and C, the helmet includes an internal padding assembly comprised of energy management structures with a front pad platforms that structurally and functionally interacts with the impact attenuation system. As such, the engineered impact attenuation system comprises both the faceguard segment and the internal padding assembly.

The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are references to the same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments. Where references are made to numerals on a particular figure, it should be understood that like numerals generally refer to the same or similar features as among all the figures.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the-disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks. However, the use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way.

Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein. Nor is any special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.

Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control.

Definitions

The term “CTE” as used herein as defined by the discoverer, Bennet Omalu, is characterized by regionally-selective neuronal death and deposition of the protein tau into neurofibrilary tangles and which has been identified in the brains of a number of professional football players, as well as members of the military.

The term “Cavitation” as used herein is the collapse of small vapor-containing bubbles or cavities in a liquid or tissue by generated by shockwave frequencies. Inertial cavitation is the process where the production of voids or bubbles in fluid or tissues rapidly collapses, producing shock waves. Non-inertial cavitation is the process in which bubbles in a fluid or tissue are forced to oscillate in size or shape due to some form of encountered energy input such as encountered helmet impacts.

The term “nitinol”, also known as nickel titanium, as used herein (a memory return alloy), is a metal alloy of nickel and titanium, where the two elements are present in roughly equal atomic percentages e.g. Nitinol 55, Nitinol 60.

The term “dampen” or “dampens” or “dampening” as used herein is to reduce, or make less strong or intense the maximum extent of a vibration or oscillation (frequency), measured from the position of equilibrium, or the maximum difference of an alternating electrical current or potential from the average value.

The term “constructive interference” as used herein is interference of two or more waves of equal frequency and phase, resulting in their mutual reinforcement and produces a single amplitude equal to the sum of the amplitudes of the individual waves.

The term “destructive interference” as used herein refers to the interference of two waves of equal frequency and opposite phase, resulting in their cancellation where the negative displacement of one always coincides with the positive displacement of the other.

The term “Angular frequency” (or angular speed) as used herein is the magnitude of the vector quantity angular velocity. The term angular frequency vector is sometimes used as a synonym for the vector quantity angular velocity.

The term “foot-pound force” as used herein is defined as a unit of work or energy in the Engineering and Gravitational Systems in United States customary and imperial units of measure. It is the energy transferred upon applying a force of one pound-force (lbf) through a linear displacement of one foot. The corresponding SI unit is the joule.

“Foot-pound” is sometimes also used as a unit of torque (see pound-foot (torque)). In the United States this unit is often used to specify, for example, the tightness of a bolt or the output of an engine. Although they are dimensionally equivalent, energy (a scalar) and torque (a vector) are distinct physical quantities. Both energy and torque can be expressed as a product of a force vector with a displacement vector (hence pounds and feet); energy is the scalar product of the two, and torque is the vector product.

1 foot-pound is equivalent to:

-   -   1.355 817 948 331 4004 joules     -   13558179.483314 ergs     -   1.285067×10⁻³ British thermal units     -   0.323832 calories     -   8.462238×10⁺¹⁸ eV=8.462238 EeV=8.462238×10⁺⁹ GeV     -   Power units:     -   1 watt 44.25372896 ft·lbf/min=0.737562149333 ft·lbf/s     -   1 horsepower (mechanical)=33,000 ft·lbf/min=550 ft·lbf/s

In a specified embodiment, the current invention encompasses that the encountered helmet impact force causing concussion is defined as ranging from about 16 foot-pounds of pressure (lbf) over a 200 ms period to about 15 foot pounds of pressure over 100 ms. The current invention encompasses attenuating and canceling this encountered impact force away from the harmful encountered frequency range as disclosed herein, and into a benign range, by decreasing the foot pounds of pressure and or increasing the duration of the encountered impact (milliseconds), or any combination therein.

In encountered safety helmet impact dynamics, there is acceleration, distance, and termination of that acceleration, or distance. The inventor theorizes that for encountered concussive impacts calculations and through experimentation, the calculated distance that is to be traveled is the distance available inside of the individual player's skull, the encountered impact duration is going to be about 400 milliseconds, and the acceleration is about 15 foot pounds, as preferably be tailored to the individual player.

In several exemplary embodiments encompasses methods and apparatuses of the current invention that extends the encountered strike duration to longer than the 200 ms, and thus also drops the pressure of the encountered strike reducing the encountered harmful train impact(s) to the brain, and thus effectively slows down the encountered train impact(s) of that encountered impact, and thus significantly reduces or eliminates the brain hitting the skull; and instead stays within the meninges' natural compensating fluid movement range.

In several specified embodiments encompasses multi-layered energy management cooperative platform structures comprised within the helmet liner/suspension system that predictably compresses and predictably returns as necessary or required within given pre-engineered and preferred performances in such a way that upon impact the brain does not encounter the skull.

The inventive characteristics having a significant effect is to slow down the encountered impact(s) duration, as an example such as about a 15 foot pound encountered train impact of about 100 milliseconds duration, to be extended in time to about a 300 to 400 millisecond period. It is preferred to extend the encountered impact duration so that it is effectively flattening out the encountered impact bell curve, and in so doing significantly reduce the ‘head ringing’ sensations experienced by players, and the associated damage.

It will be appreciated that terms such as “front,” “back,” “upper,” “lower,” “side,” “short,” “long,” “up,” “down,” and “below” used herein are merely for ease of description and refer to the orientation of the components as shown in the figures. It should be understood that any orientation of the components described herein is within the scope of the present invention.

For the purpose of this specifications it will be clearly understood that the word(s) “alternate,” “alternatively,” “alternately,” “optional,” or “optionally” mean that the subsequent described event of circumstances may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstances occurs and instances in which it does not.

Durability characteristics to function as an American style tackle football helmet(s), or other type of protective helmet(s), such as polycarbonate plastic materials, one of which is known as LEXAN®, and optionally may include fiber-reinforced polymer plastic, fiberglass and resin/Kevlar® composite, fiberglass, polycarbonate alloy, fiberglass and or other thermoplastic resin sets as is known in the art.

Each ear flap generally extends downwardly from its respective side, and in general extends in a direction extending from the crown downwardly toward the lower edge of the surface of the reinforced shell. Each ear flap includes a jaw flap, the left hand jaw flap being illustrated in FIGS. 6 A, B, and C, and the right jaw flap (not shown). Each jaw flap extends from it corresponding ear flap forwardly toward the front of the reinforced shell, and as seen in FIG. 6 A is adapted to generally extend to overlie a side portion X of the lower jaw of the wearer of the reinforced helmet.

As shown in FIG. 3 B, the jaw flap is shown to extend forwardly to overlie a forwardly disposed portion of lower jaw disposed toward the chin of the wearer.

In this regard, it should be noted that the reinforced encountered impact memory return attenuating helmets of the current invention are generally made with outer shell(s) of varying reinforcements, weights, thickness, shapes, and sizes, dependent upon the application and age, size, and shape of the head of the particular wearer of the helmet.

In FIG. 9 A, the helmet is shown superimposed upon what is theorized to be an average adult size head of a helmet wearer, whereby the jaw flap (FIG. 3B) is shown to generally overlie the entire side portion of the lower jaw, including the forwardly disposed portion of the lower jaw adjacent the chin of the wearer, including overlying the side of the chin of the wearer.

Since FIG. 9 A is not a representation of all sizes and shape of heads and all types of chin structures, such as chins, which may greatly extend outwardly away from the head of the wearer, it should be understood that it is perhaps possible that someone wearing a memory return reinforced helmet in accordance with the current invention may have a slight side portion of his or her chin extending outwardly beyond the outer periphery of the jaw flap. It is believed that the multi-layered memory foam padded jaw flap will overlie at least the forwardly disposed portion of the lower jaw of virtually all wearers of helmets. In this regard, the outer periphery (not shown), of a multi-layered memory foam ear flap, without the jaw flap of the present invention generally does not overlie a forwardly disposed portion of the lower jaw (mandible) of a wearer of a conventional American style tackle football helmet. Furthermore, the ear flap of a prior art conventional football helmets virtually never overlies the chin of a wearer of a conventional American style tackle helmet.

With reference to FIG. 3, the outer helmet shell has a vertical, longitudinal axis generally extending downwardly from the crown, and each ear flap generally lies in a plane which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shell. The inner surface of the safety helmet shell generally forms a curved plane. Each jaw flap also generally lies in a plane, which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the safety shell. The crown of the shell may be provided with at least one, and preferably a plurality of adjustable ventilation ports, openings, or air vents, which permit the adjustable regulation of the passage of the air. Through the safety shell, as an option or optionally may employ slidably adjustable ports for adjusting or regulating air flow and heat regulation etc. as needed. Air vents permit air adjacent the head of the wearer, which has been heated by being in contact with the scalp, to be adjustably vented and passed outwardly through openings, which may contribute to greater heat dissipation thus improving comfort being afforded the wearer of the safety helmet. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 9 A, the lower edge of the shell defines a circumference, and the shell is configured such that the terminal ends of the jaw flaps reside in the same or single quadrant of an X-Y coordinate system.

With reference to FIGS. 3 D and 6 C, the face guards receiving channel or groove connector of the present invention will be described in greater detail. Faceguards, FIG. 3 E, are preferably shaped and figured and formed having a variety of memory return reinforcement(s) as stated herein or of a variety of monolithic bars or rod members (FIG. 3 E), which may be manufactured and formed of any suitable material having the requisite strength and durability characteristics to function as face guards.

FIG. 3 E illustrates one of many possible configurations of faceguard members may be formed alloys of nitinol reinforcing materials, such as with any suitable memory return metals or plastics, the reinforcement members preferably provided with memory return reinforcement preferably having overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable “coils” “rings” or optionally a suitable plastic coating.

Additionally, the faceguard members may be of a monolithic solid or tubular cross-sectional configuration. Alternatively or optionally, faceguard members may be formed of any suitable reinforced plastic material preferably in a generally arched flat plane, preferably manufactured and maintaining a molecular orientation this material also having the requisite strength and durability and attenuating characteristics to perform the functions of a football safety helmet face guard(s) including other safety helmets and face guards as needed.

The faceguard connectors are adapted to connect a portion of the faceguard system in to the helmet(s) having a one piece receiving groove or channel in the helmet(s) shell edge. A one-piece face guard connector is disposed on each side of the shell. One embodiment of a one-piece face guard connector is shown in FIG. 3 D, while another embodiment of face guard connector is illustrated in FIG. 6 C.

In general, the two embodiments of face guard connector are substantially similar, whereby the same components will be described with identical reference numerals, and primed reference numerals will be used in connection with components having the same, or similar functions, but different structures or configurations as needed.

The details of a one-piece reinforced face guard connector used in connection with the reinforced safety helmet of FIG. 3, FIG. 5, and FIG. 9 A, and the details of construction of a one-piece reinforced faceguard connector of FIG. 3 D are illustrated in FIGS. 3 D and 6 C. With reference to the faceguard connector of the present invention is shown to be adapted to substantially attenuate/dampen such as directionally transfer and distribute a wide range of encountered impact generated forces, upon the faceguard thus transferring, to the reinforced helmet shell. Preferably, the faceguard securement member (FIG. X) is a quickly removable and reinstallable grommet (FIG. 3 F) disposed in an opening formed in the edge (FIG. 3 D) of the shell. The grommet may be formed of any suitable elastomeric material(s) which will function so as to substantially permit and attenuate and directionally control the distribution of encountered impact force or forces, exerted upon the faceguard, and the reinforced helmet shell of the helmet. Preferably, the grommet is formed of plastic. In this regard, the faceguard can incur and transfer to and attenuate a wide range of encountered impact forces encountered in a variety of impact directions during practice and games such as American style tackle football.

It is understood by those of skill in the art of designing protective football helmets that different regions of the football helmet experience impacts of different locations, types, magnitudes and durations encountered during the course of playing American style tackle football. It is also understood that the types, magnitudes and durations of encountered impact forces are different in contact sports, such as football, hockey and lacrosse because these sports differ in many significant ways, e.g., the underlying nature of the play, the number and type of players, the protective equipment worn by the players, and the playing surfaces. It is further understood that while playing American football, a player may experience multiple encountered impacts to the same or different regions of the helmet during a single play or a series of plays. The current invention's reinforced memory return impact attenuation system, as an option or as a variation of the current invention is purposely designed to adjust how select cooperative portions of the safety helmet encountered impact nullifying system responds to the wide variety of encountered impact forces. In one specified embodiment, when an encountered impact force(s) is encountered by the helmet, conventional football helmets lack these discussed structural advantages and other functional advantages not specifically stated herein and other aspects. As explained in greater detail herein, the impact attenuation system comprises at least one impact attenuation system.

For example, as a player strikes the ground upon being tackled, his or her faceguard might strike the ground at the lower most center (FIG. 3 E) of the faceguard, which would be an upwardly exerted force upon the faceguard. Similarly, another player's knee or helmet, or hand, might push downwardly upon the reinforced bar members (FIG. 3 E) of the faceguard, thus exerting a downwardly extending encountered impact forces upon the attached faceguard. Additionally, a player's face guard might be impacted in the direction from one of the sides of the helmet, which would be a side or lateral encountered impact force being exerted upon the faceguard. Of course, it would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that an encountered impact force could be exerted upon the faceguard from any direction in which it is possible to strike, or impact against, the attached faceguard. As will be described in greater detail, as encountered impact forces are exerted upon the attached faceguard, functions to capture (transfer) and or attenuate the encountered impact force exerted upon the face guard, and to substantially control and directionally distribute and dissipates the remaining encountered impact forces by transferring from the faceguard to the reinforced memory return helmet's shell as disclosed herein.

The attachment grommet may be a circular shaped member as shown in FIG. 3 F, a bushing may be disposed within the opening, which passes through the grommet. Preferably, the bushing is made of a suitable metal(s) or plastic material having the requisite strength and durability and having suitable frequency transferring characteristics to function as cooperative component of a safety helmet and faceguard attenuating cooperative system and apparatus. Preferably, the bushing is formed of a suitable thermoplastic material, such as SURLYN®. The bushing may include a cap member having an upper wall surface and a lower wall surface, with the lower wall surface being disposed adjacent the inner wall surface of the safety helmet shell. A bolt having first and second ends may be passed through each bushing and the faceguard connector body members, or clips (FIGS. 3 D and 3 F) of each faceguard connector. A nut receives the second end of the bolt.

By the bolt being rotatably threaded and rotated with respect to the nut, faceguard(s) may be secured to the side (FIGS. 3 D and 6 C) of the shell. It should be noted that although the bolt is inserted from the outside of the helmet shell, its disposition may be reversed, although it is preferred to be inserted from outside the shell, for ease of quick removal as needed.

Helmets as an option may be provided with three slidably adjustable (not shown) ear ports or openings in each ear flap, and the ear openings are adapted to be disposed adjacent to an ear of the wearer (FIG. 9 A) to permit the accurate transmission of a wide audio range (ranging between 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz) to the helmet wearer (over the prior art ear ports). Three slidably adjustable ear port openings, Reference FIG. 3 A, may be provided with a generally elongated rectangular or ellipses configurations (reference FIG. 3 A), with ear openings generally having elongated arched rectangular or ellipse shaped configurations with an additional smaller opening are preferred being at the main ear openings. Preferably the three arched ear openings or port(s) are disposed in the lower edge surface of the shell, and as seen in FIG. 3 A, and the three arched ear opening or ports are preferably disposed substantially, directly parallel to the ear ports or openings will help to improve the accurate sound transmissions and hearing of the helmet wearer over the prior art American style tackle football helmet ear ports as the top arched port will more accurately transmit the high frequencies, the arched mid port will more accurately transmit the low frequencies, and the bottom arched port will more accurately transmit the medium frequencies. The ear ports are slightly arched or ellipse to be preferably aligned with the corresponding curves of the wearer's ears. Furthermore, the three arched ear ports may be slightly raised (offset) to more accurately transfer the encountered sound when wearing the safety helmet and further prevent penetration from digits (fingers) and prevent and/or minimize acoustic distortions encountered when wearing said helmets such as from commonly encountered noise including whistling and rumbling sounds and other irritation to the player's ears.

Furthermore, the limitations of the prior art football helmet ear ports include: ear ports are easily penetrated by other players' digits and thumbs, thus do not afford protection from digits.

The prior art's ear ports designs generally have weak structural configurations in the helmet. Additionally, they produce a wide audio range of distortions, such as from onsite encountered noises when playing the game of football such as but not limited to whistles, horns, drums, loudspeakers, etc., and often create a highly distorted, high-pitched whistling sound while wearing prior art helmets.

Additionally, the current invention encompasses previously unavailable encountered reinforced impact and attenuation recoil technology encompassing multidimensional, structural wire and or cable “coil” “ring” attenuating system having enhanced encountered impact vector quantity capturing characteristics. Employing inventive memory return reinforcement apparatus having many sizes and dimensions having varied and diverse components apparatuses(s) and methods of using multi-dimensional synergistic reinforcement in safety helmets and other transportable safety equipment encased (cast) in a wide variety of plastics and resins or composites employing inventive reinforcements methods and apparatuses, such as but not limited to wire, cable “coils,” “rings,” “loops,” “spirals,” helices, polyhedrons, and a wide variety of memory return reinforcement grid works further including “meshes,” and/or “woven” “nets” thus providing a wide range of memory return reinforcement configurations also having strengthening functions. FIG. 5 and FIG. 9 B illustrate a network of non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable continuous overlapping coils, which form optional linked, multiple-chain reinforcement canceling apparatuses.

The filler or bonding helmet materials, such as plastics and resins may be encapsulated (bound) within each internal memory return reinforcement system wire and or cable “coils” that are pre-engineered and spaced apart (non-touching and non-frequency transferring) and thus binds multiple non-touching non-frequency transferring wire and or cable continuous overlapping wire and or cable “coils,” “rings” due to their pre-engineered spacing distance(s) to obtain non-frequency transferring characteristics as needed. The closely embedded high tensile strength memory return reinforcement “rings” having about 200,000 P.S.I. providing resistance to the helmet outward bulging forces.

As an example, the high tensile memory return reinforcement overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire and or cable “coils” “loops” improve the binding characteristics such as the internal fillers or bulk, casting a stronger and more structurally reinforced memory return monolithic safety helmet(s) as illustrated in FIG. 10 (FIG. 10 A thru D depict an end view of 4 of many possible cable configurations and FIGS. 10 E and 10 F depict an end view of two of many possible wire configurations). Any helmet shape or form can be economically manufactured and memory return reinforced having a variety of encountered impact attenuating advantages as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 9, and 11. Note in this figure that the corners are not reinforced by smaller rings. Due to the ends lacking equal reinforcement density. As for example, but not limited to smaller memory return “coils” “rings” could be configured to provide sufficient memory return reinforcement as needed as in the FIG. 12 A.

In a specified embodiment the current invention encompasses employing two or more separate and distinct memory return cable(s) reinforcements composed of different alloys and ratios as needed, reference FIGS. 10 A, B, C, and D.

The current invention discloses having previously unavailable advantages such as encountered impact attenuating wave capturing and guiding/directing and encountered impact frequency transferring characteristics including dampening nullifying effects (guided vortex stress transfer). As the reinforcement memory return apparatus wire and or cable “coils,” “rings” provide a higher percentage of energy compression transfer as compared to tension energy transfer, thus the current invention operates on a different dimension and principles within the art, more specifically having improved nullifying and vortex stress transferring characteristics.

In an exemplary embodiment, the non-touching non-frequency transferring wire and or cable continuous overlapping memory return reinforced “coils” “loops” may be configured to overlap each other between one to five overlaps; two or three “coils” “loops” overlaps being preferred.

Additionally, the current invention further encompasses non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable overlapping continuous reinforced memory return wire and or cable “coils” “loops” to suit a variety of reinforced safety helmet applications and preferably encompasses a wide range of memory return alloys cables or wire diameters and gauges as needed. In a specified illustrative embodiment in FIGS. 13 A and B encompasses that the safety helmet(s) reinforcement having seams(s) may be designed and configured and manufactured to be the “strongest” memory return reinforcement section or portion of the safety helmet(s). As an example, limitations of the prior art motorcycle helmet is incomplete reinforcement placement and the placement (is not positioned in the primary encountered impact or stress areas or zones). Furthermore, the prior art does not employ sufficient reinforcement nor do they employ memory return reinforcement, wire or cable nor having encountered frequency force attenuating characteristics having other geometries and configurations (that does not, employ “coil” “ring” recoiling patterns) or other significant encountered force attenuating patterns as disclosed herein, reference FIGS. 14 A, B, C, and D, FIGS. 15 A, and B, and FIGS. 16 A and B.

The overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable “coil” “loops” memory return reinforcement material(s) depending upon the application can be specifically engineered and manufactured or variably configured as an example. Reinforcement overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire and or cable “coils” which reinforce the bulk composite materials encases the reinforcement memory return ‘coils” thus provides considerable mass/weight savings are achieved by minimizing bulk zones to volume ratios which are closest to the memory return reinforcement(s). As an example, the alloys of nitinol reinforcement overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire, cable “coils” “rings” encircles the outer perimeters of the composite rings, (where alloys of nitinol memory return reinforcement most benefits the composite “coils”). The bulk filler material(s), such as resin or plastic(s) known within the art bonds “welds” together the alloys nitinol memory return cable and or wire “coils” “ring” of reinforcement. Note that without “bulk” filler material, the overlapping continuous non-touching non-frequency transferring wire and or cable memory return wire and or “coils” “loops” are loose “coils” cables or wires. The larger non-touching overlapping “coils” “rings” may be used separately or may be combined as needed depending on the specific application requirements. Reference FIG. 12 A.

In one aspect, the present invention encompasses hooked, or interlocking memory return “coils” “rings” that may be configured in reinforcement tubes and micro tubes in the form of microfilament and or “fibers.” Alloys of nitinol “coils” or tubes are preferred. Alloys of nitinol are most preferred in hollow cylinders having a reinforcing mesh/net pattern(s) are preferred such as for memory return reinforced faceguards and ballistic helmets and a variety of extreme safety helmet applications.

The inventor theorizes that the majority of the brain injuries results from (or at) the encountered impact(s) vector quantity acceleration point transition from compression to tension IE produces harmful frequencies that produce cavitation effects (shockwaves) that produce CTE, concussions, and other short term and long term brain injuries and damage and different vortex angles speeds from the different encountered impacts angles produces different types of brain injuries as the prior art does not consider or ignores these dimensions and other encountered impact “frequencies”, particularly those encountered frequencies in the megahertz range and kilohertz range, that need to be significantly nullified to provide short and long term encountered impact safety protection, particularly from CTE and concussions, respectively, when wearing the American style tackle football safety helmet of the current invention. In a specified embodiment encompasses that the faceguards and helmet filler or bonding resin(s) may be mixed with or contain a wide variety of micro reinforced memory return alloys as referenced herein such as but not limited to cable and or wire “coils” “ring” that are scaled as needed.

These reinforced memory return cable, wire “coils” “ring” redirect and alter the Angular frequency (or angular speed), or vector quantity angular velocity, generated from the encountered impact(s).

Referring now to FIGS. 5, 6A, 7C, 8A, 8B, 9B, 12A, 12B, 13A, the preferred embodiment encompasses apparatuses such that the overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” “loops” “rings,” “hoops”

Other exemplary embodiment(s) optionally encompass having overlapping non-touching memory return “reinforcement” multiple layers, FIG. 12 A, preferably centered over the separated mesh/net “seams” and or the more critical commonly encountered helmet “impact zones”, i.e. preferably over the ears and the forehead of a helmet. The leave in place, cast in place, memory return annular reinforcement “coil” “ring” components are most preferred in a variety of “coil” “ring” patterns. An object of the invention is to meet or exceed existing “prior art” American style tackle football helmet and other safety helmets performances.

As an example, FIG. 12 A illustrates one of many possible configurations of a memory return reinforcement attenuating displacement “coil” “rings” apparatus and the smaller (micro) bulk wire and or cable “coil” “rings” function in the inventive memory return reinforcement attenuating apparatus having improved memory return material(s) and having previously unavailable dimensional performance characteristics as needed in the art that are suitable and compatible with a variety of filler or bonding plastics (resins) known within the art.

The safety helmet(s) “shell” may be optionally manufactured from a multi-layered laminating construction process encompassing that each layer contains the same or different memory return reinforcement configurations that are bonded with a variety of plastics or resins as known with the art.

FIG. 13 A illustrates that the memory return reinforcement material(s) (coils) provides displacement and other efficiencies not specifically stated herein when designed and configured in “wraps” the memory return reinforcement material(s) within its bounds. The overlapping continuous non-touching memory return “coils” “loops” “rings” achieve more reinforcement characteristics by encircling and therefore improve the binding characteristics the “bulk” filler or bonding material (such as plastic composite materials). Thus having two different composite materials may achieve more complex and functionally efficient attenuation characteristics and strengthening characteristics, primarily from this strategic combination and arrangement of both materials characteristics.

In a specified embodiment, the overlapping continuous non-touching memory return “coils” “loops” “rings” as an option may be manufactured from a wide variety memory return metals, such as high carbon steel stainless steels and their alloys. In a wide range of wire and cable gauges as needed preferably terminating the “coils” “rings” with hooks and or overlapping continuous non-touching memory return “coils” are preferred.

As an example, filler or bonding for the memory return reinforcement overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” “loops” members may be obtained by embedding high tensile ring shaped geometric configurations (one of many possible configurations) into lesser filler or bonding materials that bind and compress and/or cement the bulk filler or bonding plastic and or resins together to form a monolithic shell.

As a further example, nitinol in its various alloys are reinforced composite memory return structure types that are much stronger than the bulk filler or bonding material alone and are more economical. The reinforced helmet(s) shell specifications can vary widely depending upon their intended use and applications to meet a wide variety of uses and the composite criteria(s). The following advantages are theorized for the overlapping continuous non-touching memory return wire and or cable “coils” “loops” “rings” in reinforced helmet(s) shell composites and other transportable safety equipment and having a longer potential operating life than the prior art. 1) Normal, bulk filler or bonding resin shrinkage is better tolerated, thus improving shrinkage and micro cracking control. 2) Additionally dynamic composite memory return “coil” “ring” structures having encountered memory return impact stresses transferring are mitigated circuitously thus realizing significantly more potential attenuation characteristics of the memory return materials instead of compounded linearly as in the prior arts use of generally inefficient woven reinforced filaments in expensive ultra high performance safety helmets. 3) Encountered impacts are better tolerated. 4) Linear compression characteristics enhance inward binding to offset longitudinal buckling. 5) Linear tension tends to bind. 6) Provides more efficient manufacturing process and having less steps and difficulties. 7) The process avoids the wastes of common subtractive cutting or fitting. 8) Provides simplified tooling saves labor and materials and general handling. 9) Memory return annular modularity more readily adapts to digitally controlled production. 10) Overlapping continuous non-touching memory return “coils” “loops” can more readily inter-penetrate one another intact, note that most mesh types cannot. 11) Memory return design tolerances and configurations and adjustment are more easily accommodated.

The inventive methods and apparatus impact attenuating apparatus most preferably having overlapping continuous non-touching memory return wire and or cable “coils” “loops” may be more readily configured in thin-shell reinforced structures such as safety helmets of the invention and other transportable safety equipment as stated herein.

In other specified embodiment, the current invention encompasses any suitable filler or bonding plastic and or resin process or systems such as but not limited to lay-up application, lamination(s) process, or other methods of manufacture may benefit. Overlapping continuous non-touching wire and or cable “coils” “loops” “Rings” formed from memory return wire or cables.

The current invention encompasses methods of construction/manufacture of memory return reinforced safety helmets(s) not specifically stated here in.

Molds

As an example, the overlapping continuous non-touching memory return reinforced “coils” “loops” may be configured and placed in a wide variety of suitable patterns and configuration preferably having pre-engineered non-touching overlapping patterns, as the filler or bonding and filling material is being applied casting or injection molding preferably dispensed continuous spooled memory return reinforced wire or cable may be spooled into the desired patterns as needed as their configuration(s) and flexibility allows for simpler handling and manufacture processes. Note that stiffened wire and or cables or overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” “loops” may require customized tooling designs. Note stiffer materials often imply greater strength and reduced elongation properties, which are generally preferred. Note that, simplistic, manual assembly can be more readily obtained. Generally, manual hand assembly work more easily translates into robotic or automated manufacturing development.

The device is preferably strategically pre-engineered and configured to be overlapped sufficiently to “share the memory return reinforced attenuating apparatus characteristics”.

In an exemplary embodiment, the current invention's methods and apparatuses encompass additive reinforced helmet constructing processes that include 3D Printing Manufacturing and 3D Printing Prototyping.

FIG. 14, 15A, 15B, 16A, 16B illustrates 5 of many possible memory return reinforced configurations encompassed by the current invention of the memory return reinforced overlapping continuous non-touching wire and or cable “coils” “loops” may be mapped and configured as an example having memory return reinforced tetra-helix geometric tetrahedrons. The intersection interferences most easily adapts to additive construction processes such as in rapid 3D printing prototyping.

Note for electronic polarization purposes, tetra helix mapping offers other beneficial characteristics. (By calculating the optimized continuous overlapping non-touching memory return reinforced “coils” relationships or attenuating code). The overlapping continuous non-touching reinforced memory return wire and or cable “coils” “rings” may significantly improve encountered impact force attenuation in new and highly complex ways. Reference FIG. 10. FIGS. 10 A, B, C, and D depict four of many possible memory return cable configurations and FIGS. 10 E and F depict two of many possible memory return wire configurations.

As an example, fillers or bonding with a wide variety of filler or bonding materials surfaces in reinforced memory return tetra-helix geometric configuration (having larger diameter wire and or cable in the “coils”) (Not shown). Note that the continuous non-touching overlapping reinforced memory return “coils” each share more volume than the intersections do alone do.

As a further example, FIG. 15 A and FIG. 15 B illustrates a tapering or expanding configuration similar to tetra helix geometric configuration (not shown) and, as an option, may be formed and configured by generally straight segments joined together as tetrahedrons.

FIG. 16 A and FIG. 16 B illustrates an additional example of continuous overlapping non-touching reinforced memory return wire and or cable “coils”. The structural bond may be configured by overlapped continuous non-touching reinforced memory return coils which are suitably embedded in molded plastic and or resin materials as stated herein. A reinforced memory return 3-dimensional reinforcement filler or bonding structure(s) as for example maybe formed by overlapping 3-dimensional overlapping continuous non-touching reinforced memory return wire and or cable “coils” “loops” in apparatuses or components as needed.

Additionally, having versatile structural reinforcement in arrays or configurations of the current invention such as modules (to be embedded in a wide variety of compatible composite materials) as disclosed herein. As for example, cubical geometric forms having non-touching overlaps can be achieved by a suitable draft angle, which interlocks and nests the cubical and/or curvilinear reinforced memory return system or units together (not shown). These non-touching reinforced memory return units “cubes” may overlap more densely than as illustrated to obtain very dense reinforced memory return frequency capturing and nullifying characteristics as necessary or required such as but not limited to high performance protective and safety helmets such as but not limited to motorcycle, hockey, and ballistic helmet. They are a basic building block for a wide variety of reinforced memory return materials and attenuating dimensionalities not previously known in the art such as but not limited to a variety of reinforced memory return “coils,” “nets,” “meshes,” and “weaves” and other reinforced memory return configurations as needed.

Use of reinforced memory return reinforcement “cubes” (not shown) having six faces having overlapping “cubes” having as few as four ringed-faces is typical.

Lightweight safety helmet(s) preferably composed of alloys of nitinol reinforcement wire and or cable and its variants etc., as described herein, such as incorporating into the inventive faceguard continuous reinforcing structural frames, preferably embedded with a compatible filler or bonding composites or plastics or other materials as needed depending upon the specific application.

Several specified embodiments encompass that the inventive memory return reinforcements apparatuses may be suitably positioned and secured and cast together for reinforcing the lesser composites. The coil surfaces comprising one memory return reinforcement modules (cubes) may be pre-engineered and manufactured, such as but not limited to continuous bar, rod, cable, wire, or filament(s) etc. as needed. As an option, having consecutive cables and or wire “coils” that are twisted at orthogonal junctures for positioning adjoining overlapping continuous non-touching memory return “coils” “loops” at intersections as needed and may vary for different applications as needed. A specified embodiment encompasses that the termination (ends) of the memory return reinforcement members having overlapping continuous non-touching memory return “coils” “loops” may extend their “coils”, preferably they have hooked and or coiled ends as needed.

Other specified embodiments encompass having economic advantages. The lesser memory return reinforcement material can be used for terminal anchoring, contained within each memory return reinforcement unit(s) as needed. A specified embodiment encompasses a method aspect for computer controlled bending and twisting of a wide variety of memory return reinforcements.

Configurations as disclosed herein preferably allow accurate cubic scaling for ease of manufacture of a wide variety of memory return reinforcements having overlapping continuous non-touching memory return “coils” “loops” cast within a variety of protective safety helmet configurations.

FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 illustrate five of many possible configurations for non-scaled exaggerated overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” “loops” “ring” memory return reinforcement having a wide variety of geometric cages. Employing overlapping continuous non-touching memory return “coils” “loops” “rings” that are scaled preferably, having non-touching overlapping each row to form a series of modular reinforcement system overlapping continuous non-touching memory return “coils” “rings” in the form of attenuating cages. The state of diminished memory return “coils” “ring” density along the structure edges. As an option, said attenuation compensation characteristics may be designed and manufactured such as to increase the edge reinforcements preferably at or near surface strengths. FIG. 12 A illustrates, as an option, diminished ring density that may be incorporated having smaller memory return reinforced “coils” “rings” positioned at or near the center of the helmet shell. As an option, the 3D frequency attenuating apparatuses in the form of “meshes” may be “woven” or configured such as by overlapping non-touching continuous individual cubic “coils,” “rings,” such as in applications in a wide variety of protective and safety helmets. As a further example, the cubes may be “rings” forms such as in long chains. Memory return reinforcement structures are preferably made with extremely durable and high strength materials, preferably composed of nitinol or its various alloys or as needed.

As a further example, three overlapping continuous non-touching cable and or wire “coils” or “rings” (not shown) having multiple memory return reinforcement overlapping continuous non-touching memory return “coils” “rings,” such as circling the outer portion of overlapping continuous non-touching wire and or cable “coils” “rings” having the previously unavailable advantage that the inner-circumference of each “ring” requires less reinforcement having enhanced 3-dimensional encountered impact frequency attenuating characteristics and other previously unavailable protective and safety characteristics including compressive function(s) of this inner void or zone. Therefore, the memory return reinforcement(s) is preferably, optionally centered on the inside shell surface where it is most efficient. As an option the overlapping continuous non-touching wire and or cable “coils” “loops” may optionally be configured in a variety of weave configurations orthogonally to encircling all the bulk “coils”. Several exemplary embodiments encompass methods and apparatuses having an innovative advantage of memory return reinforcing 3-dimensional overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” “loops” “cubes” or “rings” to leverage the memory return high tensile strength having advantages upon a compressive space. Having the inner reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” “loops” “ring” volume of filling with filler and or bonding plastic(s) resin(s), without the central bulk, (without a filled “aperture hole”), that encases the necessary and significant memory return reinforcement inventive structural framing. The (“large aperture holes”) additionally have mass/weight efficiencies and savings and potential cost savings.

As an option, as illustrated in FIG. 12 A, additional application of smaller cable and or wire continuous overlapping non-touching reinforced memory return “coils” “rings” are preferably orthogonally positioned and may be advantageously placed to further reinforce and attenuate the shared shell “zones” as needed. These smaller overlapping continuous non-touching (non-frequency transferring) wire and or “coils” “loops” “rings” preferably, sufficiently pervade the “zone” to help sufficiently resist shearing and other highly complex encountered impact frequency generated forces.

As an example, instead of localizing the reinforced memory return “coil” “ring” apparatuses to a single point or intersection with a “bunching point”, the rounded encountered reinforced memory return impact apparatus of the current invention having inventive characteristics are thus reflected backwards and thus returned and thus nullified more efficiently, most preferably tailored to dampen the megahertz frequency range as needed (narrow frequencies) in the art. The more attenuating of this highly complex encountered impact force will therefore have the inventive advantage of not presenting compounded stresses at one single point along a reinforcement member or members.

As an example triangular-ring reinforcement(s) (not shown), which can be compared with this cubic form, having further advantages on the basis of equal total weights and spans (such as ballistic helmets and body armor and body armor plates and helmet face guards) as an option or additionally, may be configured in polygonal configurations such as but not limited to six sided or hexagonal forms of (hex coils rings). Memory return reinforcement(s) is illustrated herein to compare one of many possible reinforcement(s) geometries for memory return alloy selection(s) as required for specific applications and tunable performances as needed.

Furthermore, depending upon the specific application there are many other possible memory return attenuating reinforcement geometries ranging from simple to highly complex configurations.

As an example, the overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” “loops” “rings” (annular apparatus reinforcement) may also have additional previously unavailable frequency capturing and attenuation characteristics.

As an example, a manufactured helmet(s), which could become readily accepted and easily tested in the helmet safety industry, may be an “coils” “rings.” The dimensions and configurations of such reinforced overlapping continuous non-touching memory return wire and or cable “coils” “loops” “rings” could vary in a manner equivalent to and sizing as needed or required, such as by employing multiple dimensions and sizes of overlapping continuous non-touching wire and or cable “coils” “loops” “rings” and casting (encasing) in place with filler or bonding plastics or resins to improve its safety performance and other characteristics. Such overlapping continuous non-touching wire and or “loops” “rings” “coils” configurations may optionally be composed of and manufactured using strong plastics and other materials.

A specified embodiment encompasses the specific said memory return reinforcement(s) and components specifications may vary as needed depending on the specific application. In some specific applications, the apparatuses and methods of the current invention may fit within the conventional “monolithic” helmet definition.

It is contemplated and intended to be within the scope of the current invention that any type of overlapping continuous non-touching memory return reinforced wire and or cable “coils” “loops” or rings disclosed herein may be used. In addition, any type of memory return reinforcement in the form of weaves, mesh, or net are encompassed, also of the type disclosed herein. Such said reinforced overlapping continuous non-touching memory return “coils” “loops” rings, weave, mesh, or net memory return reinforcements may optionally comprise continuous, fixed linkage between reinforcement elements. Overlapping continuous non-touching reinforced memory return wire and or cable “coils” or rings may be a series of rings or coils, and the series of reinforced overlapping continuous non-touching memory return “coils” “loops” may be arranged in non-touching overlapping rows to form a generally curved plane that is generally parallel to the curved plane of the inner surface of the helmet shell. FIGS. 5, and 9 B show a cutaway view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which the overlapping reinforced continuous non-touching memory return “coils” are exposed and shown positioned adjacent or proximate the center of the helmet shell. Filler or bonding material (of any type disclosed herein, including but not limited to resin or plastic) is used to entirely or partially encase the overlapping reinforced continuous non-touching memory return “coils” “loops” rings, to form a memory return reinforcement section and or layer(s) that is positioned adjacent or proximate the center of the helmet shell, as will be understood from FIGS. 5 and 9 B. The shell, together with the memory return reinforcement layer(s), are combined to form a safety helmet assembly. The amount by volume of filler or bonding material used to encase the reinforced overlapping continuous non-touching wire and or cable “coils” “loops” “rings” may be about the same on either side of the curved plane of the series of reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” “loops”, such that the curved plane of the series of reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” “loops” is preferably located in approximately the middle of the helmet layer or layers. Alternatively, adjustments can be made as to the amount of filler or bonding material that is used on either side of the overlapping reinforced continuous non-touching memory return “coils” “loops” or rings (or to the position of rings or overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” themselves), such that the reinforced overlapping continuous non-touching memory return “coils” “loops” or rings may be closer to, or farther from, the middle portion of the resin filler layer. Weave, mesh, or net reinforced material also may be used in place of, or in conjunction with, overlapping memory return continuous non-touching “coils” “loops” or rings. The patterns and arrangements of the overlapping continuous non-touching reinforced memory return “coils” “loops”, rings, weave, mesh, or net may be any disclosed herein (or known to those of skill in the art), including but not limited to those patterns and arrangements shown in FIGS. 8, 12, 14, 15, and 16. The optional or variations of the materials used to form the overlapping continuous non-touching memory return “coils” “loops”, rings, weave, mesh or net may be any disclosed herein (or known to those of skill in the art), including but not limited to metal, steel, micro tubes, carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, tool steel, Kevlar®, polypropylene, nitinol or graphene. Alloys of nitinol are most preferred.

Alloys of nitinol wire, cable may be cabled or solid core, solid core is preferred.

Overlapping continuous non-touching reinforced memory return wire and or cable “coils” “loops” “rings” may also comprise “untied” rings as an option or as an alternative. Also, the reinforced overlapping continuous non-touching memory return “coils” “loops” rings, weave, mesh or net may optionally be configured to provide a laminated memory return structural reinforcement apparatus that ranges between 1 to 10 laminated layers or base on which to “apply” the binding resin(s). The use of overlapping reinforced continuous non-touching memory return “coils” “loops”, rings, weave, mesh, or net combines previously unavailable inventive methods and the apparatus having overlapping reinforced continuous non-touching memory return “coils” “loops” “rings,” (one nonlinear row at a time). However, the overlapping reinforced continuous non-touching memory return “coils” “loops” “rings” may use a much wider selection of plastics or resins that economically improves the ultimate impact strength and having enhanced encountered impact attenuation control characteristics for the safety helmet(s) in an exemplary embodiment encompasses that this inventive synergy allows previously unavailable methods and apparatus and materials is the employment of micro-overlapping reinforced continuous non-touching memory return “coils” “loops” “rings” “fibers”, “meshes” “nets” as the choice(s) of memory return reinforcement(s) and apparatus. The methods and apparatuses of the current invention encompass a wide variety of scales of implementation for a wide variety of reinforced enhanced encountered memory return impact attenuation control characteristics and applications as needed.

FIGS. 12B and 8A are illustrative, encompassing “Compressive Chain” reinforced overlapping continuous non-touching memory return “coils” “loops” “rings” that sufficiently overlap to provide enhanced impact attenuation zones which overlap. The reinforced memory return compressive units of embedded filler or bonding plastics and or resin(s) binds the overlapping memory return reinforcement having overlapping continuous non-touching wire and or cable “coils” “loops” “rings” into an encountered impact force attenuating apparatus. This innovative reinforced memory return apparatus, produces and obtains an extension of the tensile range and strength over the entire memory return reinforcement(s) surface(s) or near surface of the constructed helmet(s). This is an object of the invention.

The pre-engineered overlapping of reinforced overlapping continuous non-touching memory return “coils” “loops” “rings” in a safety helmet(s) shell or body transmits the tensile properties of reinforcement from one memory return overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” “loops” “ring” to the next. Particularly when configured in curves such as safety helmets, note that this is a significant innovation, since “mesh” and “netting” is generally planar, (it cannot easily be elastically formed in generally curved shapes without kinks, which potentially may cancel out the primary tensile attenuation characteristics). Additionally, as compound curves having other structural advantages such as reducing the surface area required to enclose a given volume or space. Thus through reinforced overlapping continuous non-touching memory return wire and or cable “coils” “loops” “rings,” technology having synergy and curvature, cost may be advantageously reduced such as in the current invention memory return reinforced safety helmets. This is an object of the invention.

Employing the methods and apparatus of the current invention having reinforced overlapping continuous non-touching memory return wire and or cable “coils” “loops” “rings” in the form of compressive linkage configurations for impact(s) attenuation memory return reinforcement having overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” “loops” “rings” is new.

Advantages over the prior art safety helmets are: 1) ease of placement of annular memory return reinforcement; 2) less filler or bonding plastic or resin including reduction of micro-shrinkage during curing phase; 3) unrestricted curvilinear helmet shapes and sizes; 4) lighter helmet(s) shell practicalities; 5) provides for a wider range of helmet thicknesses; 6) combined monolithic reinforced structure and finish process in a one continuous manufacturing step; 7) addresses and reduces the critical frequency ranges from encountered impacts over the prior art; 8) lighter weight to strength ratio, and 9) ease of casting with resins including memory return micro-fibers and micro continuous overlapping non-touching wire and or cable “coils”.

The advantages over “mesh” “net” formed reinforcement include: 1) ease in reinforced memory return encapsulation thorough filler or bonding resins (cement) coating all overlapping continuous non-touching memory return “coils” “ring” reinforcement surfaces. By contrast, generally the penetration of plastics and resins through overlapping meshes is more difficult. 2) “Meshes” and “nets” costs more industrial effort (time) to manufacture. Overlapping continuous non-touching wire/cables “coils” configurations may be efficiently mass-produced, or as an option or alternatively in contiguous flat wire and or cable coiled spirals. 3) Transport, and handling, of reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching memory return “coils,” “loops,” “rings,” rods, or wire/cables is simpler than restrictively sized mesh products. 4) Reduces and cancels attenuates a specific frequency ranges from encountered impacts having previously unavailable frequency controlling characteristics than the prior art.

Other specified embodiments encompass methods and apparatuses that operate on different dimensions and principles. In other specified embodiments, the current invention encompasses a wide variety of O.D. sizes (outside diameters) of reinforced memory return non-touching spaced apart overlapping continuous, reference FIGS. 8 A and 8 B, wire and or cable “coils” “loops” “rings” apparatuses. In a specified embodiment encompass methods and apparatuses such that smaller overlapping reinforced memory return continuous non-touching “coils” “loops” “rings”, FIG. 12 A, may replace some of the filler or bonding and filling resin(s) (filler) as an option or alternative reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” “loops” “rings” configurations may employ several reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” “loops” “ring” having different sizes and non-touching layers, or if necessary for denser coverage of “coils.” Denser reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” coverage (or more coil per unit of area) may require reinforced memory return reinforcement “coils” having thicker or thinner gauges as needed.

The use of reinforcement materials, such as plastic(s) carbon fibers, fiberglass or other high tensile strength materials is encompassed by the current invention including other composite materials that are suitable for a wide variety of safety equipment including helmets.

In an exemplary embodiment encompasses that the inventive methods and apparatus is that: high tensile reinforced memory return overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” “loops” “rings” reinforcements may be combined with the low cost compressive “filler” material(s), such as plastics and/or resins; as an example, the reinforced memory return overlapping non-touching “coils” “loops” “rings” may be “chained” by compressive linking instead of by tensile continuum. Therefore, a new inventive apparatus and methods of reinforced memory return “compressive transferring and chaining” is encompassed in this disclosure herein and having the further advantage of having less/weight/mass.

The inventor theorizes that potentially the current invention's safety helmets having a longer operating and shelf life over the prior art safety helmets. As separate and distinct from the prior art safety helmets, and provides a more specific range of attenuation from encountered impact(s) having inventive and unique reinforced memory return geometries. As a non-limiting, example, the reinforcement overlapping continuous non-touching memory return wire and or cable “coils” “loops” “rings” may be configured to overlap ranging between one to ten overlaps or as needed two or three overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” “loops” being most preferred, that encompasses a wide range of wire and or cable diameters (gauges) as needed. Prior art football and other safety helmets does not employ efficient memory return reinforcement, generally only having woven filaments such as in expensive motorcycle helmets having configurations (that does not employ recoiling patterns) or other efficient tunable attenuating geometric patterns, particularly having specific frequency capturing and canceling characteristics.

In other exemplary embodiments encompasses that the overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” “loops” “rings” provide a previously unavailable characteristics having a higher percentage of compression encountered impact attenuation transfer as compared to the prior art's tension transfer.

In several specified embodiments the “mesh” or “nets” apparatuses employed in the current invention methods and apparatuses for 3-dimensional attenuation from encountered helmet(s) impact frequency and vector force(s) having inventive attenuation characteristics having improved control characteristics unavailable in the prior art, that encompasses a variety of surface patterns or deformations as needed.

Furthermore, this invention relates to safety helmet(s) in general and as well as to improved methods and devices for reducing the consequences of frequency ranges producing concussion and CTE including other harmful encountered impacts by providing enhanced attenuation characteristics and further improving performance in safety helmet(s). In a particular embodiment, the cooperative device(s) relates to the control or management of the 3-dimensional encountered impact(s) including the highly complex encountered impact and frequency forces for a wide variety of safety helmet(s). Encountered impact control operations have traditionally been ignored or overlooked particularly in American style tackle football helmets. A common but unsatisfactory features among all these prior art safety helmets “mechanisms” is that they do not prevent the wide range of long term undesirable side effects from encountered during the normal course of use or play, which accounts for a wide variety of short and long term injuries and adverse side effects encountered when playing football, particularly CTE and concussion.

Thus, the safety mechanisms found on prior art helmet(s), although reliable and widely employed, nevertheless suffer from a number of severe limitations and deficiencies. For example, limitations of the prior art such as in motorcycle helmets is the economic choice of employing incomplete coverage and placement of woven carbon fibers mesh resulting in lack of complete helmet coverage.

Furthermore prior art helmets do not employ memory return reinforcement or efficient guided stress transfer, and is unaware of overlapping continuous non-touching memory return wire and or cable “coils” “loops” “rings” provides a higher percentage of compression transfer as compared to tension transfer. As an example, the prior art employs none of or inefficient reinforcement geometries, generally using woven carbon fibers filaments in configuration (that does not, employ the current invention's reinforced memory return frequency canceling and attenuating patterns) or other impact attenuating geometric patterns. Additionally, generally American style tackle football helmets do not employ any significant encountered force attenuating apparatuses or cooperative systems nor have reinforced memory return materials and/or layers nor have encountered impact frequency capturing guiding/directing and/or transferring cooperative displacement systems and recoil stress transferring apparatuses and characteristics and do not employ any synergistic combinations of helmet/liner/faceguard/chin strap reinforced safety helmet having synergistic cooperative encountered impact stress transferring characteristics and benefits through the inventive resultant efficiencies.

Some prior art motorcycle helmets having carbon and/or Kevlar® fibers on the helmet and are not conjoined for significant encountered impact frequency stress attenuation as needed.

As a further example of the prior art limitations, a well-known manufacturer of a motorcycle helmet only partially positions and reinforces near the helmet's “critical zones”, thus the helmet is structurally incomplete (non-cooperative encountered impact frequency diffusion and transfer). A well-known manufacturer of motorcycle helmets only reinforces the critical zones (not shown) thus is inefficient and is therefore non-compliant for encountered impact attenuation (stress diffusion and transfer) and thus does not realize the full potential of the Kevlar® or Carbon fiber materials or other filler materials. The invention's previously unavailable encountered impact frequency capturing and attenuation, “recoil” reduction and displacement characteristics improves the overall safety performances of safety helmets in general. This is an object of the invention.

Furthermore, the current invention potentially reduces a wide variety of safety helmets' weight, mass, and significantly improves a variety of safety characteristics and widens the ranges of encountered impact acceleration and compression that may be attenuated employing the current invention's methods and apparatuses as disclosed herein. Furthermore, the current invention overcomes the prior art's limitations, such as high performance motorcycle helmets that almost exclusively employ carbon and/or Kevlar® materials generally having herringbone weave patterns or variations of same.

Additionally, the safety helmet(s) woven seams(s) may be optionally designed and configured to be (conjoined and/or interlocked) and manufactured (cast in place) to be the “strongest” portion or section of the safety helmet(s). Furthermore, the prior art ignores or is unaware of the different types of safety helmet encountered impact vector waveforms (frequencies) that potentially produce different types of brain and or spine pathology symptoms, injuries, and diseases, such as but not limited to CTE and concussion.

Furthermore, as the prior art does not consider or ignores that, these and other highly complex colliding (collapsing) frequencies producing shockwaves and other encountered impact forces or waveform “frequencies” that need to be attenuated/dampened to provide previously unavailable safety protection from short and long term encountered impacts when wearing a safety helmet and provides protection from a wider range of encountered impact(s) having previously unavailable attenuation and displacement characteristics as disclosed herein.

The amplitude and magnitude of encountered impact(s) is relatively critical due to its effect on and the prior art existing mechanisms fail to provide a satisfactory or optimized reduction characteristics in a wide variety of encountered impacts and the potentially resultant brain injuries, such as CTE. More particularly, the direction of the harmful encountered impact forces generally coincides with the longitudinal axis of the helmet(s) encountered impacts. For these and other reasons, improvements in the design and operation of safety helmet(s) are desired in the art.

The innovative approaches of the current invention taken herein make a more effective reinforced memory return cancellation of the encountered helmet/head/brain impact(s) encountered energy and, in particular, recycle (and return), as much encountered vector forces as practicable, the encountered impact energy and generated frequency forces by departing from the traditional and historical mechanisms. In one aspect, this invention provides new solutions, technologies, mechanisms, and cooperative systems for improving safety and protective helmet(s) and allows previously unavailable revolutionary safety changes and improvements applicable to safety helmet(s) in general including their design and uses.

Taking into account all these adverse and/or secondary effects that impede the use of all safety helmet(s), and that the present inventions approaches are new and innovative. In general and in one aspect, the invention is aimed at addressing the design of new safety helmet(s) systems by taking advantage of the previously ignored or unaware of encountered impact vector frequency energy cancellation to significantly improve prior art helmet(s) in general, and consequently minimize and/or compensate for the wide variety of adverse frequency collisions (collapsing) causing cavitation shockwave effects and their associated brain damage that is previously ignored and thus improves helmet safety. A first innovation is the deliberate use of memory return reinforcement and vector control of encountered these highly complex impact frequency energies attenuation to address these adverse cavitation generating impact frequencies' effects encountered during use and operation. This allows one to conceive of new helmet(s) designs and systems, still dependable, but significantly improved. This new multi-dimensional approach also allows a helmet(s) manufacturer and designers to address safety concerns and constraints as part of whole rather than as individual problems, so as to take into account the advantages and interfaces between helmet(s), reinforcement(s), face guard(s), and liner padding systems, and chin pad and straps and other cooperative components during their use and operation. Considering their operations as a cooperative whole, as this invention exemplifies, allows completely new multi-dimensional concepts and expands the universe of designs, manufacturing configurations, and previously unavailable or known mechanisms possible for safety helmet(s) in general. Additionally, the present invention addresses the problems and disadvantages associated with conventional safety helmet(s), and provides improved safety methods and devices for reducing a wider range of encountered impact(s) in a wide variety of safety helmet(s), and other safety equipment and systems as disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is to reduce the amplitude and or consequences of encountered highly complex impacts in general.

The invention also facilitates the design and production of a lighter weight more compact face guard and having an innovative helmet integration (lower profile) attachment system and/or allows significant reductions in the weight of the face guard and balance of the helmet, which results in many new design possibilities and safety improvements.

One of the fundamental principles of the present invention is the transfer of encountered frequency impact and vector generated forces to a direction outside of the longitudinal axis of the encountered impact source or sources.

The mechanism(s) that transfers these highly complex encountered forces can be configured and oriented to counteract the encountered impact forces along the longitudinal axis of the memory return reinforcement “coils,” “rings,” “mesh,” or “netting,” etc. to effectively nullify or attenuate for the highly complex frequency collisions, particularly the frequency collisions (collapsing) that cause cavitation producing harmful shockwaves in the brain, as needed in the art. This is an object of the invention.

Thus, the memory return reinforcement apparatuses and mechanisms or cooperative system(s) of the invention encompasses preferably transferring the significant harmful portion of the encountered impact forces (harmful frequency range(s)) in a direction outside the longitudinal axis of the encountered impact generated vector(s) source and effectively nullified by being cancelled out, thereby significantly reducing a wide variety of brain and spine injuries.

One of skill in the art will recognize that the embodiments disclosed herein are exemplary and that one or more of the foregoing principles can be applied in many variations to safety helmet(s) and other transportable protective and safety equipment(s) as stated herein of various applications, designs, configurations and uses.

Thus, the reinforcement apparatuses or cooperative components as stated herein comprises an encountered impact vortex capturing and directing memory return reinforcement apparatus directing memory return component that operates to transfer harmful frequency forces generated by the encountered impact of impacts to a direction outside of the longitudinal axis of the initial encountered impact. In a more basic aspect, the memory return reinforcement is a component part of a helmet(s), or more particularly memory return reinforcement(s), that in response to the force(s) of encountered impact(s) in response to the movement of an encountered impact(s). The memory return reinforcement unique configuration(s) or characteristics allows for the capturing absorption and guiding of highly complex frequencies from a wide variety of encountered generating impact(s) forces and directs those forces in the form of frequency cancellation in a direction and frequency that is outside of the megahertz range and kilohertz range, and outside the longitudinal axis of the initial encountered impact(s). Throughout this disclosure, the use of the term “reinforcement” can refer either to a single or to multiple parts or masses. The component configurations of the “reinforcement” may optionally serve additional functions not stated herein.

Additionally, such as in a cooperative system where the “reinforcement” simultaneously captures (absorbs) and transfers the complex 3-dimensional encountered frequency “forces” directly through contact with the memory return reinforcement as an encountered frequency capturing and nullifying apparatus, either directly or through encountered memory return reinforcement and or cooperative linkage system(s) as described herein.

In any embodiment, the memory return reinforcements of the current invention serve the same basic function to absorb encountered impact frequency and vector forces and/or re-direct encountered impact frequency impulse forces out of the longitudinal axis of the initial encountered impact memory return “coiled” “looped” frequency return configurations are most preferred.

In an exemplary embodiment memory return reinforcement configurations of the current invention can be pre-engineered (guided) to move frequencies out of the megahertz range preferably along a path defined by its memory return structural pathway or guide. The frequency guiding system and method and apparatus preferably is an overlapping non-touching memory return continuous nitinol “coil,” wire(s) cable(s) mesh(es) or net(s) or articulated part(s), or any other component designed to allow the memory return reinforcement to move the encountered vortex energy and frequencies to an end point of its movement preferably having frequency guiding memory return reinforcement characteristics in response to the encountered impact impulses can be one of pure translation or the movement can be more complex in nature. Optionally depending upon application, in other words, there can be a direct connection possible between the memory return reinforcement guiding apparatus and the desired frequency capturing range to specifically tailor or tune for the protection from CTE and or concussions.

The inertia that causes the movement of the inertia to move the encountered energy along its memory return reinforcement guide(s), or there Can be optional inventive linkage(s), such overlapping continuous non-touching memory return wire and or cable “coils” “loops” “rings” or there can be other more complex linkages, as stated herein such but not limited to as multiple memory return overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” “loops” and/or articulated parts and manner of their linkages. These elements preferably have encountered memory return impact attenuating having vortex guiding/directing and transferring characteristics to predictably improve (tailored to the specific application as needed) having encountered impact attenuation characteristics. As an example, acceleration effects (guided stress transfer) such optional linkage(s) having overlapping continuous non-touching memory return wire and or cable “coils” “loops” provide a higher percentage of complex frequency transfer as compared to tension. More specifically having improved surface accelerations and frequency transferring characteristics. In a specified embodiment, the current invention further encompasses employing non-touching memory return coils loops to suit a very specific variety of memory return reinforcement attenuation applications. That may encompass a wide range of memory return wires and or cables gauges (diameters) and “coil” diameters to suit a specific application as needed.

The safety helmet method and apparatus, wherein the encountered impact reinforcement attenuating method and apparatus have material composed of non-touching overlapping memory return materials, wherein the gauge/thickness of each reinforcing wire or cable is in the range of from about 0.005 to about 0.250 inches.

The safety helmet method and apparatus wherein the encountered impact reinforcement attenuating method and apparatus have material composed of non-touching overlapping memory return materials, wherein the length of the memory return reinforced wire and or cable “coils” generally range between about 2 to about 28 inches depending upon location within the helmet and the size and configuration of the safety helmet, reference FIG. 5 and FIG. 9 B.

Preferably, methods and apparatuses of the present invention encompass overlapping non-touching memory return “reinforcements,” optionally having two or more non-touching layers preferably located and centered over the adjoining sections or “seams” and/or preferably the more critical encountered “impact zones,” i.e., such as over the American style football helmet(s) ears and the forehead sections.

Preferably the termination (end) of the memory return reinforced overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” “loops” “rings” have a hook and or closed coils are preferred.

In an exemplary embodiment, methods and apparatuses are provided such that the degree of encountered phase vector capturing and displacement is a matter of the safety helmet(s) design option. Some degree of vector phase displacement is preferred.

In an illustrative embodiment of the current invention the most preferred examples (not shown) of the inventive “net,” “mesh” memory return reinforcement frequency canceling configurations are not shown. Note that the illustration (not shown) four of many possible configurations encompassed within the current invention.

The encountered impact control devices frequency guiding reinforcement(s) of the current invention components can be advantageously prepared with comparatively small parts or components or larger pre-manufactured memory return reinforcements components, which simplifies manufacture.

The mechanisms and aspects of the current invention can be used to complement and or improve a wide variety of prior art (conventional) safety helmet(s) and can be combined with various arrangements, attachments, and combinations as needed.

In one general aspect, the current invention comprises novel and improved encountered impact attenuating methods and device(s) for use in (a) safety helmet(s), having a component, or force frequency or vectored force attenuation component(s).

In an exemplary embodiment, methods and apparatuses encompass that capturing the highly complex brain damaging frequency forces that produce cavitation effects are transferred to the inventive memory return reinforcement guiding apparatus as stated herein, which can be selectively directed in any one or more of several directions as needed therefore traversing one or more of a variety of frequency paths from the impulse imparted through the reinforcement guiding geometries, including, but not limited to: a coiled curved or curvilinear paths; a pre-engineering frequency controlling and guiding path extending from the encountered impact zone; the frequency guiding path chosen relates to the design characteristics of the helmet(s), or other transportable safety equipment as desire and as stated herein.

In a specified embodiment, methods and apparatuses encompass that the controlled inertia/vector memory return reinforcement configurations are preferably mass appropriate for a particular safety helmet(s) application, relating to the specific design characteristics of the safety helmet(s) as needed.

In a specified embodiment, methods and apparatuses encompass that the transfer of the frequency impulses of encountered impact captured from the memory return reinforcement to the vortex inertia reinforcement guiding system(s) can be through direct contact between the components having simple or even complex optional linkages. As stated herein, in other specified embodiments, one or more memory return reinforcement assemblies may be used. In other embodiments, one or more overlapping reinforced continuous non-touching reciprocating memory return “coils” “loops” method and apparatus may provide additional safety helmet reinforcement as needed.

For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 A, B, C, D, E, and F, a wide variety of annular overlapping continuous non-touching memory return wire and or cable “coils” “loops” having suitable reinforcement configurations can be adapted for this purpose. As an example, having encountered return or recovery frequency attenuating overlapping continuous non-touching memory return “coils” “loops” having reinforcement characteristics as stated herein can be provided.

The inventive encountered harmful frequency capturing and controlling reinforced memory return device(s) can be manifested as in one of the numerous figures accompanying this disclosure. Also, numerous embodiments and alternatives are disclosed in the accompanying claims. In another aspect, the invention provides a method and apparatus for manufacturing encountered impact control and attenuation device(s) of the current reinforced memory return invention and/or incorporating into a wide variety of safety helmet(s) an encountered impact frequency canceling control device, or devices as needed.

Other embodiments and advantages of the invention are set forth in part in the description herein, and in part, will be obvious from these descriptions, or may be learned from the practice of the invention.

And as an illustrative embodiment as discussed more particularly herein, the pre-engineered angles and spacing formed by the optional inventive memory return reinforcement(s) in the form of mesh(s) and or net(s) reinforcement configurations such as having polygon/pentagon memory return capturing reinforcement configurations scaled as needed, and parts of the reinforcement(s) can be specifically engineered and configured or manipulated to optimize capturing encountered impact forces, reduction, and other operational characteristics in a variety of protective and safety helmet(s) styles, weights, and sizes, particularly for control or variances of such highly complex frequency collisions (collapsing) within the megahertz range generating cavitation shockwaves, as such factors is not known or considered of present protective and safety helmet(s) technology.

Other characteristics and advantages of the current invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of embodiments may be specifically designed for a wide variety of protective and safety helmets.

The design selection of the memory return reinforcement geometric configuration(s) including weight, geometries, materials, shapes, gauge(s) will depend on a number of necessary or required protective and safety design and specified performance factors, including, but not necessarily limited to: the degree of encountered impact canceling capturing and nullifying and or counteracting encountered frequency forces (reflection) to suit the particular application.

The encountered impact generated vector forces and frequencies characteristics can be measured to determine the preferred reinforced memory return configurations and design in order to modify one or more of the design factors noted herein to achieve a particular safety outcome or result.

In other specified embodiment encompasses that in a method and apparatus part or memory return reinforcement mechanism can be referred to as an encountered impact wave and or frequency “guide” or “path.”

The type of reinforcement configuration(s) or encountered frequency dampening system and devices for a particular embodiment can be determined.

Of course, a protective and safety helmet(s) incorporating or using the devices or methods of the current invention can also be combined with any known helmet(s) modification or memory return control devices or systems available. For example, chin pad, helmet and liner, air or gas injection systems, faceguards can be incorporated into a helmet design, either individually or any combination. The encountered impact control mechanism(s) of this invention provide vastly improved safety characteristics over the prior arts' methods and apparatuses.

Having described the invention herein and the factors one can consider, what follows refers to specific preferred embodiments of the Figures and Examples. As noted herein, the invention is not limited by the scope of the embodiments listed, the Figures, or the Examples. Rather, one of skill in the art can employ the principles and examples to design and use a number of embodiments not specifically shown here that are fully within the scope of the present invention.

Other specified embodiments encompass that the frequency range of possible memory return reinforcement's configurations including sizes and positions can vary by design factors or by the desired encountered impact generated vortex and frequency cancellation range and other control characteristics as needed.

The current invention's memory return reinforcement guides(s) in the form of alloys of nitinol “meshes,” and or “nets” configurations can take various sizes, dimensions, and forms, for example octagon coils, and many other possible forms, shapes, and dimensions as needed.

Furthermore conventional mechanisms can be adapted for use with the current invention or in designing a protective safety helmet(s). The encountered impact capturing and canceling having tunable frequency reflection and attenuating characteristics and inventive mechanism. An inverse or reflective oscillation by the memory return reinforcement at the end of its return has a tunable dampening effect on an encountered impact frequency range.

As shown in FIGS. 14, A, B, C, and D, and 15 A and 15 B, greater adjustment of the resistance to the encountered impact(s) moment(s) by means of an appropriate variation or modification of the memory return reinforcements decoupling angles is enabled.

The current invention can be incorporated into a variety of safety and protective helmet(s) examples, with or without additional helmet(s) elements know in the art, and designing helmet(s) that take advantage of the improved multi-dimensional encountered frequency force distribution and encountered impact canceling having previously unavailable characteristics of the current invention.

Several specified embodiments encompass a variety of leave-in-place cast-in-place memory return reinforcement apparatuses for manufacturing a variety of safety helmets that may have a variety of combinations of spaced dimensions, sizes, gauges and a variety of woven nitinol patterns as needed. For example, mixing different alloys of nitinol, preferably having overlapping continuous non-touching memory return wire and or cable “coils” “loops”, sizes with different wire and or cable diameters and shapes, filaments and or fibers. The nitinol alloy ratios and materials maybe specifically selected and tailored to suit a wide variety of different helmet filler or bonding materials or combination known within the art.

Several specified embodiments of the methods and apparatuses encompass a wide variety of customized specifications for the current invention memory return reinforcement(s) to meet specific conformational tolerances and configurations, i.e., strengths sizes and shapes, such as the combination(s) of different nitinol alloys and other materials can be specifically tailored to correspond to and suit a specific grade or level of transportable safety equipment, including protective and safety helmets to meet or exceed a wide variety of conformational tolerances as needed.

As a further example, the memory return reinforcement(s) apparatus optionally may be configured in the form of a variety of woven memory return filaments such as in strips (flat wire) may optionally comprise longitudinally-extending memory return configured strips and transversely-extending memory return strips interwoven therewith such as a, but not limited to herringbone pattern, and the outer layers of crossing longitudinally-extending strips and transversely-extending memory return strips.

A specified embodiment encompasses that the optional woven memory return reinforcement apparatus as stated herein is useful where the reinforcement(s) is to be contained within safety helmet(s). Such as for example certain filler or bonding resins or cements. Also, the preferred alloys of nitinol ratios material(s) may be selected so that the memory return reinforcement(s) has a desirable amount of tensile range(s) and has frequency capturing and canceling characteristics including elasticity, which capturing is useful where capability of encountered impact frequency encountered energy absorption, control and dissipation is required, for example in football face guards, football helmets, hockey helmets and faceguards, and motorcycle helmets and other helmets and face guards known within the art.

Other specified embodiments encompass the memory return reinforcement apparatus having nitinol alloy material(s) and methods and apparatuses, which may be coated on their outside surfaces with synthetic and or plastic materials and are optionally constructed by weaving nitinol threads in a variety of laminate(s) or sheet(s) or any form preferably having nitinol threads having a given tensile strength of about 180,000 to 200,000 PSI with the two or more layers of the threads being joined together such as but not limited to by overlapping reinforced continuous non-touching “coils” “loops” “rings,” or annular “loops,” “hoops,” or nitinol wires, cables, and or threads or any combination as needed or required which have a similar or greater tensile range or strength than the basic filler filaments and or threads.

Furthermore, there is the weaving of optional memory return reinforcements fabric(s). When generally dome, ovoid shaped woven helmet memory return reinforcement(s) structures are to be coated, they may be cut along one edge of the flattened stock to obtain a web of double width or along both edges to obtain two fabric sheeting's for the coating processes. It is also possible to cut into generally tubular fabric(s) in a diagonal (helical) direction, which results in one web of diagonal memory return reinforcement materials or more as needed.

The single, rolls of memory return reinforcement fabric obtained by any of these methods and apparatuses can be coated with plastics and or other synthetic materials in the usual manner and manufactured into open or closed memory return reinforcement forms, such as oval, ovoid domed helmet shapes by the methods and apparatuses described herein. It is also possible to connect parts of the two or more memory return laminated helmet layers of a pre-cut flat woven fabric(s) along one or both edges or in other places by weaving or overlapping continuous non-touching memory return cable and or wire “coils” “loops” “ring” attachment and/or “coiled” memory return securement techniques, as stated herein.

The object of this invention is to eliminate the major prior art limitations and provide means of helmet fillers or bonding or coating plastics and or synthetic memory return materials having smooth and uniform on one or both outside surfaces. For the final memory return reinforcement application of the memory return fabric web or the parts cut out of it, it is possible to predetermine the helmet shape(s) with one or more open or closed hollows by an economical working method and apparatus. Preferably conventionally on normal machines known within the art compatible with a wide variety of plastics and or synthetic filling materials (in the form of pastes, plastisols, solutions, dispersions or latex emulsions with or without folds as needed), compressions or any loss in ease of handling compared with normal fabric backings. To weave this innovative dome (curvilinear) shaped memory return reinforcement as needed. They may be divided by their functions into the following cables, filaments, or threads or wire.

In this example the connecting memory return fibers may be permanently connected only to parts of the two hehnet layers closely and tightly to each other, while the memory return wires, cables, threads or filaments preferably cover the critical areas with connecting memory return fibers or only in certain critical stress zones or areas as needed and or places of the areas without connecting memory return fibers just as necessitated by the designed application and helmet application and shape(s) as required.

Several specified embodiments encompass inventive methods and apparatuses such that the memory return woven or configured reinforcement threads or filaments optionally cover all those areas of the helmet(s) with memory return reinforcement(s) having enhanced encountered impact attenuation and other control characteristics as disclosed herein preferably employing a wide variety of memory return woven wires, cables, foils, or fabrics and configured to a certain predetermined distance (spacing) as an example between the two or more laminated layers or non-touching multi-layers as needed to obtain non-frequency transferring characteristics. The memory return threads, wires, cables, foils or filaments are not necessary in places which are permanently and closely joined by nitinol connecting fibers, wires, cables, or foils because they cannot perform their function there, but it may be necessary and economical for the weave pattern(s) to have them preferably incorporated over the total area of the in helmet(s) as needed.

As compared with other fibers of the weave patterns and all permanent connections between the two or more non-touching laminated layers, the memory return threads or filaments preferably have an equal or greater tensile strength or as needed.

Other specified embodiments encompass that the memory return wires, cables, threads and filaments are to be employed over the entire width and length of the woven memory return fabric reinforcement web, such as if there are no connecting memory return fibers used between the layers. If the connecting memory return reinforcement wires, cables, fibers join parts of the two layers or multi-layers to each other closely and tightly the memory return reinforcement wires, cables, threads or filaments are to be employed at least over the entire width and length of all areas free of connecting memory return fibers.

As an option, the memory return threads or filaments can be applied in the warp or only in the welt or in both directions as needed. And may encompass memory return reinforcement wires, cables, threads and filaments having different characteristic(s) in one generally oval, dome, curvilinear memory return reinforcement fabric wires, cables, web, as an example one memory return alloy type in the warp and the other type in the welt. All types of memory return reinforcement threads, wires, cables, and filaments have a memory return structural function in the generally oval, ovoid dome curvilinear shaped memory return fabric web which has been performed when smooth and uniform coating has been carried out such as but not limited to (cast, injected molded, sprayed, etc.) in the disclosed safety helmet(s) preferably centered from the helmet outside and inside surfaces or as needed.

As mentioned herein, memory return connecting fibers and distance fibers preferably composed of alloys of nitinol having a permanent cast-in-place leave-in-place function as memory return reinforcement apparatus having memory return structural “webs” in a variety of memory return patterns and, as they come out of the warp and or weft, having the same tensile or greater strength of the basic fibers may be used. As an option two or more different types of memory return alloy fibers having different yarn diameters and or fiber types, leading to different tensile strengths and other beneficial characteristics, in alternating or other sequences, and to use only the memory return fibers of high tensile strength of about 150,000 to 250,000 PSI for the functions of connecting memory return fibers and or distance memory return fibers may be used. The difference in function between the connecting fibers and the distance fibers is the pre-engineered distance spacing's (apertures) between the two or more layers of the woven memory return fabric, which is determined for the final application. The memory return connecting fibers join the two or more non-touching layers to each other only in certain parts of the total area or sporadically distributed but permanently pre-engineered (spaced) tightly or closely as needed per application, while the distance memory return fibers permanently connect the two or more memory return layers over the total area or only in certain locations or sporadically as needed distributed but at a certain predetermined aperture distance (spaced) and define the distance between the two or more memory return layers for the end use. It is also possible to employ distance memory return fibers in a way, that they result different lengths between the two or more nitinol layers to permit complicated, uneven shapes such as a variety of safety helmets for the final applications as needed. The distance memory return fibers if present in the woven memory return fabric(s) after leaving the weave of one layer may run between both layers or more until they enter the weave of the other layer or as needed they remain in this position because both layers' seams or more are temporarily or permanently stitched closely to each other by auxiliary threads as needed or by other filaments until coating process is completed and is subsequent cast in place or to accurately conform to the pre-engineered distances between the two or more memory return layers in the end use configurations as needed.

Preferably the memory return fibers of the warp and weft and the connecting memory return fibers and distance memory return fibers originating in the basic weave are synthetic memory return filaments or mainly memory return synthetic filaments. These classes of memory return fibers need to have high tensile strength as required for the final reinforcement frequency capturing and nullifying configurations. Therefore, filaments of alloys of nitinol are preferably used.

As an option the woven memory return reinforcement canceling apparatus memory return fabrics may be manufactured and prepared according to this invention, can be easily bonded or conventionally coated on normal coating equipment such as faceguards, such as but not limited to, PVC-plastisols, vinyl copolymers, polyurethanes polyacrylates, polychloro-butadienes, polyolefins, polyamides, etc., by all techniques normally used for the respective polymers.

The innovative memory return reinforcement methods and apparatus generally employing oval, ovoid, curvilinear configured memory return fabric(s) or flat cut and folded memory return reinforcement fabric pre-cut as needed, described by this invention, allow predetermining the end use shapes of a wide variety of safety helmet(s). A wide variety of shapes and configurations can be manufactured by the distribution of the employed connecting memory return fibers and/or distance memory return fibers into predetermined patterns as needed. After coating both outside surfaces with filler or bonding plastics and or synthetic materials.

As the memory return reinforcement(s) maybe predetermined by the described weaving measures of the current invention, there is not or only a little further manufacturing is needed to install it may be necessary to insert “hoops,” “loops,” eyelets, grommets, flaps, pads, openings for filling or injection, valves and valve connections, to cut edges, to fasten straps and latches, and to reinforce parts by additional memory return reinforcement “meshes,” and or “rings” or coated fabric as needed.

Practicing this invention with all possible combinations of the described classes of such as but not limited to memory return alloys reinforcement having enhanced encountered impact and frequency control characteristics such as but not limited to annular overlapping continuous non-touching memory return “coils” “loops” “rings,” mesh(s), netting, a wide variety of memory return wires, cables, filaments, fibers etc. enables a very economical production of series in various safety helmets with a wide capability of configurations as needed.

Additionally, an inexpensive and efficient method and apparatus is described herein for the assembly and manufacturing of such memory return alloys having significantly improved characteristics including memory return reinforcement for safety helmets in high volume. Furthermore, said method and apparatus of manufacturing embodies the adaptation of a set of simple mechanical elements onto existing manufacturing processes.

It should be understood that, with the present invention, the amount of (frequency capturing and attenuation) can be tailored as needed with the preferred combination(s) of alloys of nitinol memory return reinforcement apparatuses as needed, including the selection of alloys of nitinol memory return reinforcement filaments number, location size of the expansion blocks as needed.

By combining some or all of the features described herein into a safety helmet's systems, the vast majority of a durable and quality helmet(s) may be built according to a wide variety of safety and protective grades ranging from standard to customized configurations and specifications very quickly and efficiently. This is an object of the invention.

A specified embodiment encompasses a memory return reinforcement having encountered impact canceling method and apparatus having memory return material fabrics being woven in both the warp and weft directions having basic memory return fibers (filaments) having two or more layers, said layers having, in the flat condition, side edges, which are connected together so that said memory return fabric is filled, a wide variety of filler or bonding plastic(s) or resins etc., as stated herein.

Due to the relatively light weight and gauge, of the woven memory return reinforcement apparatus having material(s) of which the cast-in-place, leave-in-place memory return reinforcement apparatuses and materials form is constructed or fabricated. Then the memory return grids or webs can be or as needed cut, such as including any necessary openings.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a wide variety of woven memory return reinforcement methods and apparatus.

As an option at least some of the reinforcing apparatuses may preferably encompass a filler or bonding layer on both sides thereof, and the layer of filler or bonding material may preferably comprise memory return material(s) as needed.

Depending upon the application, the width (gauge) of each memory return wire and or cable may be in the range from about 0.0005 to about 0.50 inches, and the thickness of each wire and or cable may be in the range of between about 0.0001 to about 0.50 inches or as needed.

The term memory return reinforcement “mesh” as used herein is an apparatus defined as a stiff fixed and or flexible leave-in-place cast-in-place memory return reinforcement apparatus configured to specifically capture and preferably nullify, dissipate, and or attenuate a wide variety of encountered impact forces.

The memory return reinforcement “mesh” material(s) and or filaments contribute to the tensile shear and ductile strength. A specified embodiment encompasses methods and apparatuses that may incorporate a wide variety of memory return “mesh” having surfaces textures such as but not limited to “mesh” or “net”, patterns and configurations including different gauges and sizes, and encompass a wide variety of memory return “mesh,” and or “netting” reinforced patterns preferably positioned in proximity to the center or outside and or the inside edge of a safety helmet or a portion of said safety helmet(s) or other transportable safety equipment.

As an example, biaxial oriented memory return “nets” are generally lighter weight and more flexible than extruded generally square memory return reinforced “mesh(s)’. The orientation process “stretches” the extruded square mesh in one or both directions as needed under controlled conditions to create strong, flexible, light weight memory return reinforcement “mesh” or “netting(s)” and is thus preferred in some applications.

In addition, a wide variety of memory return reinforced manufacturing processes and methods and apparatuses can produce inventive or customized memory return “mesh” “nets” configurations as stated herein to meet specific application and extrusion requirements to suit a wide range of memory return reinforcement applications and a wide variety of custom memory return alloy mixes and specific applications as needed.

Air Suspension System Layer

As an option or optionally, the current invention encompasses a helmet safety system customization employing an air bladder system to compensate for the encountered megahertz frequency range in the brain and encountered train impact range as disclosed herein, and further preferably customized to suit the weight, age, sex, and position of the player, that can be filled (pumped); and further provides the American style football safety helmet to better conform to the head of the wearer. As an option or optionally the current invention encompasses placing an adjustable (tunable) air or water bladder system between the soft padding energy management platform layer having a wide variety of configuration as needed that contacts the player's skull and the stiffer energy management platform layer that provides absorbant points that push evenly on all of the energy management platforms, that slightly move in conjunction with the form fitting interior surfaces of the interior of the helmet so that they are in contact with, and shaped to the corresponding wearer's skull.

When the wearer's encounter an impact no matter where they encounter an impact, it is slowed down, thus reducing or eliminating areas of the skull that the internal pressure outward is not dampened. The primary concussive problems are when the skull itself becomes fractured, as it is not well externally contained, and sometimes gets fractured because the balance of support isn't uniform throughout the whole skull.

As an option or optionally, the current invention encompasses the option of specifically designing an American style safety football helmet for a player that has a really dense, thick plate at the front, as this skull structure will have a lower frequency effect upon encountered impact. As an exemplary embodiment, the current invention encompasses a series of tests for player's heads, so they have specialty impact attenuating apparatuses and encountered impact canceling elements as disclosed herein within the helmet shell that is specifically designed for protecting the player's head during such activity, such as by employing ultrasound testing, to specifically map out the player's brain, such as, but not limited to its location within the skull; and further including the amount of distance within the skull between the skull and brain, and the size of the brain inside the skull cavity.

The current invention offers previously unavailable testing technology for making custom tailored American style football safety helmet systems, as an example by employing ultrasound testing, to specifically map out the player's brain, such as, but not limited to its location within the skull; and further including the amount of distance within the skull between the skull and brain, and the size of the brain inside the skull cavity.

As an example, for some American style football safety helmet wearers, their skulls protect the parietal lobe very well, while for others, any strike to the parietal lobe area gets instantly transmitted to the brain. As an example a key safety element of the current invention is slowing down the encountered impact in the thinner skull region so if you happen to have someone who has a thin bone structure at the frontal lobe, you want to make certain that you have quick frequency canceling response towards the frontal lobe region. As an option or optionally the current invention encompasses individually tailoring the safety helmet cooperative suspension system to the distance of the wearer's meninges, or the space between the skull and the brain, as it relates to the specifically tailored force dampening characteristics as needed.

The current invention encompasses employing three distinctly different suitably bonded layers, such as memory foam, non-cellular, or micro-cellular foam composing the energy management systems, with the softest layer being against the helmet wearer's head, or skin, or hair with an ellipsed dome for tailored compensation and to individualize it to the person's skull, then the hardest layer in the middle, then a medium layer removably secured against the helmet shell to provide an improved degree of predictability of collapse and return characteristics as disclosed herein. In a specified embodiment the summation of this layered energy management structure's compressive and return characteristics specifically extends the duration of the encountered impact beyond the range of 200 ms, more preferably beyond 400 ms, and most preferably beyond 600 to 800 ms.

In an exemplary embodiment, the current invention encompasses that the interior of the American style safety football helmet, with the liner/suspension padding system and energy management platform system preferably comfortably conforming to the head of the wearer, is uniquely designed to predictably compress and predictably return to predictably extend the duration of the encountered impact; so that it extends to longer than about 400 ms, more preferably extending beyond about 600 to 800 milliseconds, to thus dissipate the encountered kinetic energy in the impact force by predictably extending the encountered impact time and distance.

Energy Management Structures

The current invention encompasses hexagon, octagon, cylinder, ellipsed dome, pentagon shaped pads, and more preferably encompasses hexagon and octagon due to their inter-relationship (they fit into each other efficiently) to cover a wide range of encountered impact generated frequencies and relate to each other such that they are covering a wide spectrum to most effectively slow down or extend the time of this impact duration. In a preferred embodiment, the current invention encompasses employing a series of cooperative non-cellular foam encountered energy management structures having the preferred predictable compression and predictable return characteristics as disclosed herein.

In a preferred embodiment, the current invention encompasses employing a series of cooperative micro-cellular foam encountered energy management structures having the preferred predictable compression and predictable return characteristics as disclosed herein. In a specified embodiment the current invention encompasses non-cellular foam is preferred in part for its predictability of controlled deformation from not having internal bubbles. In a preferred embodiment, the current invention encompasses a safety helmet liner/suspension system with the memory foam energy management structures are positioned on top of the center of the skull plates, and preferably are equally in surface contact with all portions of the skull's skin surface.

It is important to not design the spacing between the memory foam pads to follow the suture line (the growth point lines), and instead apply the memory foam energy management structures evenly over the entire skull plates. It is significant to not have the liner/suspension system pushing on the skull in such a way that it pushes upward towards the growth plates, as it is necessary to reduce the encountered impact forces being concentrated at a suture line.

As a preferred option current invention encompasses custom tailoring the thickness of the foam energy management structures in contact with the skull and associated safety helmet liner system; such that the summation of the skull thickness and the thickness of the energy management system in contact with the skull (before it reaches the second stiffer energy management system layer) is preferably equal at all points.

As an example, for a player with a thicker frontal plate, and thinner side plates of the skull, the current invention encompasses employing less memory foam on the plate in front than you have on the sides, since you want the thickness of the energy management system in contact with the head of the wearer to be tailored in relation of the thickness of the skull at any given point. In other words, the thinner the skull, the more memory foam, to have the same amount of pressure.

The current invention encompasses distributing this encountered impact in such a way that it is relatively smooth, such as with a helmet internal suspension system or liner, that is made in different sizes to suit different helmets to suit different individuals better. As an option or optionally the current invention encompasses a safety liner/suspension system with the appropriately sized, shaped, and having pre-engineered and optimally positioned energy management system that is relatively interchangeable in relation to an average, or a relatively average, thickness of skull, such as but not limited to monitoring the thickness of the skull for each player, and as an option further having that helmet tailored so that the softer, or center portions having more padding.

The prior art of American style football safety helmets overlooks or generally ignores the lateral and tangential forces resulting from the encountered train impact(s). As the encountered train impact(s) compresses the safety helmet system inward; the system will also experience tangential force(s), such that it pushes outward perpendicular to the initial encountered impact resulting in a developing scale of kinetic forces taking place without any kind of resistance on the other side, creating a lateral pushing as well as a forward pushing. As an example the current invention overcomes this challenge in that the first layer of the foam energy management system is actually in molded contour and contact with the skull to get better adjustment of force and minimize this lateral force.

As an option or optionally the current invention encompasses that the helmet itself is typically of a particular size, such that adding a bladder that you could fill with memory foam, could optionally serve as a custom-tailored safety helmet system. The current invention encompasses having the ability to test and monitor the encountered impact position and duration.

As an option or optionally, the current invention encompasses the capturing and canceling the encountered train impact(s) to the helmet shell, by the encountered energy or force is transferred to this attenuating coil system, which then directly transfers to the preferably octagonal shaped foam energy management system, with each preferably octagon shaped foam energy management system to be directly attached to one of these ‘coil’ loop′ attenuating systems.

The stiffness of the spring is calculated and optimized for its concussion dissipating characteristics and value, because it is the spring that provides the encountered impact energy absorption characteristics, and it is the memory return characteristics of it coming back to its initial size and shape that actually diverts the energy away from the skull.

Airbag

As an option or optionally the current invention encompasses a re-inflatable safety air bag system to be deployed upon encountered train impact(s) that exceed a pre-defined encountered force frequency having a tunable (adjustable) threshold as measured and activated by the sensors to lengthen the encountered train impact force(s) duration as needed for extreme encountered impacts such as when playing football.

Nitinol

A shape-memory alloy (smart metal, memory return metal, memory alloy, muscle wire, smart alloy) is an alloy that “remembers” its original shape and that when deformed returns to its pre-deformed shape when heated. This alloy is a lightweight, solid-state alternative to conventional actuators such as pneumatic, and hydraulic.

Nitinol wire and cable is superelastic and a shape memory alloy. The terms “memory return” or “superelastic shape memory” as used herein are interchangeable.

Shape Memory Alloys, such as Nickel Titanium, or nitinol, as referenced in FIGS. 17 A and 17 B, undergo a phase transformation in their crystal structure when cooled from the stronger, high temperature form (Austenite) to the weaker, low temperature form (Martensite). This inherent phase transformation is the basis for the unique properties of these memory return alloys, in particular memory return, Shape Memory, and Superelasticity characteristics.

When a nitinol memory return alloy is in its martensitic form, it is easily deformed to a new shape. However, when the alloy is heated through its transformation temperatures, it reverts to austenite and recovers its previous shape with great force. This process is known as Shape Memory or memory return is shown in FIGS. 17 A and 17 B.

As an example in the Nickel Titanium alloys, the current invention encompasses the memory return process which occurs over a range of just a few degrees. The start or finish of the transformation can be controlled to suit a specific memory return application to within a degree or two if necessary, such as adjusting the nitinol alloys ratios to correspond to the operating and performance temperature of the current invention's safety helmets. In some applications oxygen free alloys of nitinol are preferred.

As a further example of superelasticity and memory return, these unique alloys as disclosed herein also demonstrate other Superelastic characteristics if deformed at a temperature which is slightly above their transformation temperatures. This effect is caused by the stress-induced formation of some martensite above its normal temperature. Because it has been formed above its normal temperature, the martensite reverts immediately to undeformed austenite as soon as the stress is removed. This process produces a very springy, “rubberlike” elasticity in these alloys.

Typical Loading and Unloading Behavior of Superelastic NiTi, commonly referred to as nitinol, is shown in FIGS. 17 A and 17 B.

Nitinol Shape Memory Alloys Properties

Both forms of the Nitinol alloy are Ductile, see FIGS. 17 A and 17 B: elongation to failure over 25%, Strong: having tensile strength up to about 200,000 psi, and extremely corrosion resistant.

Martensite is Fairly Weak: 10,000 to 20,000 psi deformation stress and is able to absorb up to 8% recoverable strain.

Material Properties of Nitinol

These are typical specifications for commercially available nitinol memory shape alloys.

Density 6.45 g/cm³ (0.233 lb/cu in) Electrical Resistivity Austenite 82 × 10⁻⁶ Ω · cm Martensite 76 × 10⁻⁶ Ω · cm Thermal Conductivity Austenite 0.18 W/cm · K Martensite 0.086 W/cm · K Coefficient of Thermal Austenite  11 × 10⁻⁶/C.° Expansion Martensite 6.6 × 10⁻⁶/C.° Magnetic Permeability <1.002 Magnetic Susceptibility Austenite 3.7 × 10⁻⁶ emu/g Martensite 2.4 × 10⁻⁶ emu/g Elastic Modulus Austenite 75-83 GPa Martensite 28-40 GPa Yield Strength Austenite 195-690 MPa Martensite 70-140 MPa Poisson's Ratio 0.33 Nitinol performance characteristics are particular to the precise composition ratio of the alloy and its manufacturing process and may be adjusted as needed to suit a particular application, such as but not limited to, reinforcing encountered impact vortex and frequency capturing and attenuation characteristics as disclosed herein.

Fundamental to nitinol properties are two key aspects of this novel phase transformation, see FIGS. 17 A and 17 B. First is that the transformation is “reversible”, meaning that heating above the transformation temperature will revert the crystal structure to the simpler austenite phase. The second key point is that the transformation in both directions is instantaneous. FIGS. 17 A and 17 B is a 2D view of nitinol's crystalline structure during cooling/heating cycle.

Nitinol is not just an ordinary metal alloy, but is what is known as an intermetallic compound. In an ordinary alloy, the constituents are randomly positioned on the crystal lattice; in an ordered intermetallic compound, the atoms (in this case, nickel and titanium) have very specific locations in the lattice.

Thus in a certain temperature range, one can apply a stress to austenite, causing martensite to form while at the same time changing shape. In this case, as soon as the stress is removed, the nitinol will spontaneously return to its original shape. In this mode of use, nitinol behaves like a super spring (memory return), possessing an elastic range about 10-30 times greater than that of normal spring materials. Note, however, limitations are that the effect is only observed about 0-40 K (0-40° C.; 0-72° F.) above the A_(f) temperature.

Note making small changes in the alloy ratio composition will change the transition temperature of the alloy significantly. One can control the A_(f) temperature in nitinol to some extent, but convenient superelastic temperature ranges are from about −20° C. to +60° C. Nitinol is typically composed of approximately 50 to 51% nickel by atomic percent (55 to 56% weight percent).

Nitinol of nickel titanium (also known as NiTi) is in the unique class of shape memory alloys. Nitinol shape memory alloys can be modified to a great extent including changes in alloy ratios composition, mechanical working, and heat treatments.

Alloys of nitinol are commercially available from:

-   -   http://jmmedical.com     -   Johnson Matthey, Inc.     -   1401 King Road     -   West Chester, Pa. 19380 US     -   Tel: (610) 648-8000     -   (800) 442-1405     -   Fax: (610) 648-8105     -   Baoji Huaheng Titanium Industry Co., Limited     -   1. titanium city road Baoji, Shaanxi 721013 China, PRC     -   Email: susan@cctai.com     -   Skype: susan-huaheng     -   WhatsApp: 0086-18792960059     -   Web site: www.chinahhmetal.com

Whatever the trans-portable safety equipment application or function, alloys of nitinol reinforcement contribute to both improved safety and performance. For example, the memory return “reinforcement” of the current invention may be specifically engineered and manufactured to meet a variety of specific safety helmet(s) structural conformational tolerances such as, but not limited to high encountered impact strength applications and or for applications such as motorcycle and ballistic helmets as needed.

Several exemplary embodiments encompass that the frequency capturing and attenuating characteristics preferably having nitinol alloy reinforcements are also encompassed as an apparatus by the present invention.

In several specified embodiments the helmets internal nitinol “reinforcement” may further prevent random micro cracking during the construction and manufacturing process of safety helmets and furthermore limits the long term (life cycle) cracking occurrence from a wide variety of encountered impacts.

Several embodiments encompass an apparatus such that the nitinol “reinforcement” configuration may be specifically pre-engineered and manufactured to control micro-cracking (shrinkage) and (thermal cracking) ranging from simple generic to customized safety helmet shells and having a wide variety of mixes to suit a specific application or as needed.

The current invention encompasses memory return metals other than nitinol such as but not limited to: Ag—Cd 44/49 at. % Cd; Au—Cd 46.5/50 at. % Cd; Cu—Al—Ni 14/14.5 wt % Al and 3/4.5 wt % Ni; Cu—Sn approx. 15 at % Sn; Cu—Zn 38.5/41.5 wt. % Zn; Cu—Zn—X (X=Si, Al, Sn); Fe—Pt approx. 25 at. % Pt; Mn—Cu 5/35 at % Cu; Fe—Mn—Si; Co—Ni—Al; Co—Ni—Ga; Ni—Fe—Ga; Ti—Nb; Ni—Ti approx. 55-60 wt % Ni; Ni—Ti—Hf; Ni—Ti—Pd; Ni—Mn—Ga, alloys of nitinol are most preferred.

FIG. 7 A illustrates a safety helmet round viewing window, which is one of many possible configurations, such as but not limited to oval, pentagon, star, triangle, freeform etc. Viewing windows having the shapes or configurations of, in a helmet(s), may encompass a viewing window or viewing port that allows for ease of visual inspection of the current invention reinforcement(s) through a section of the safety helmet(s) translucent or transparent shell to visually inspect the condition of the memory return reinforcement configurations), or as an option may encompass an anti-counterfeiting indicating component.

In a specific embodiment, the viewing window or viewing port may encompass, as illustrated in FIG. 7 A, such as but not limited to bar codes, QR codes (FIG. 7 D), holograms, logos (FIG. 7 E), trademarks, embedded chips, factory codes, manufacturing codes, coils (7 C), reinforcement memory return mesh (7 C) etc.

Other specified embodiment(s) encompass removably attaching a capacitance testing device into the helmet base (not shown), and applying suitable current and measuring and indicating the condition(s) or status of the helmets' reinforcing memory return components, including the estimated life cycle and safety status such as indicating wear factors and damage to the helmet or any damage or portions of damage thereof, such as but not limited to revealing the condition of the coils, labels, etc. such as from the exposure from ultra-violet light or as an option may encompasses viewing window or port to visually inspect the overlapping continuous non-touching memory return “coils” “loops” “hoops”, logos, holograms, bar codes, QR codes, embedded chips, factory codes, inventory codes, manufacturing codes etc., including anti-counterfeiting methods and apparatus as disclosed herein.

Other exemplary embodiments encompass methods and apparatuses for casting nitinol reinforcement(s) in safety helmets such as by casting overlapping continuous non-touching wire and or cable “coils” “loops” reinforcement(s) within a safety helmet.

Additionally, the current invention encompasses methods and apparatuses, which can inexpensively and efficiently manufacture a wide variety of encountered impact force attenuating nitinol reinforcement(s) inside such helmet(s) in high volume with a specifiable range of design of nitinol reinforcement(s) having previously unavailable reinforced memory return encountered impact attenuation and return control characteristics and frequency dissipation characteristics needed. Thus, the memory return reinforced helmet(s) itself is also encompassed by the present invention.

Additionally, the nitinol “mesh” may comprise a specified number and location of nitinol force attenuating reinforcements configurations along the direction of the generally curvilinear dome, oval shaped axis. Furthermore, the width of the nitinol memory return reinforced “reinforcements” is specifiable by the safety helmet(s) design(s) as needed such as but not limited to sheets of nitinol alloys, foils of nitinol alloys, ribbons of nitinol alloys, etc.

The method and apparatus of manufacturing of the nitinol reinforcement mesh(s) may start with the generally oval, ovoid weaving of the yams of the preferred nitinol alloy materials such as with a circular loom whereby a generally oval ovoid or optionally flat nitinol reinforcement panel structure is formed with woven warp and weft strands shaped and configured aperture(s) as needed. Preferably, the direction of the warp strands is parallel to the axis whereas the direction of the weft nitinol reinforcement strands is perpendicular to the general oval, ovoid, curvilinear shaped axis such as employed in safety helmets and other transportable safety equipment as stated herein.

As an option, the “woven” “mesh” nitinol reinforcement structure(s) may be sectioned off along a set of lines as needed with predetermined spacing to form a set of nitinol segments, each nitinol segment having the desired set of bands preferably extending axially or as needed.

The safety helmet's reinforcing characteristics comprises many alloys of nitinol strands of woven warp and woven weft (not shown) woven by a conventional circular loom machine. The alloys of nitinol materials for the warp and weft strands may be any of the many alloys of nitinol or other memory return alloys as disclosed herein compatible with a circular loom. It is important to note that, as part of the function of the circular loom, the nitinol alloy said emerging woven generally dome, oval or flat body panel may be flattened into a continuous belt form and optionally be wound into a roll for easiness of subsequent handling. The top opening of the generally dome, oval, ovoid nitinol alloy is secured together to form a top edge. The top opening comes naturally out of the sectioning operation of the curvilinear reinforced body structure into a variety of safety helmet having alloys of nitinol reinforcement or other memory return alloys preferably in the form of cables and or wires, see FIGS. 10 A, B, C, D, E, and F, as needed.

FIG. 11 illustrates a simplified high performance ballistic modular drop jaw safety helmet employing the current invention's methods and apparatuses, further including methods manufacturing, as stated herein, such as used in military and police applications, having a reinforced memory return modular adjustable drop jaw configuration as illustrated.

It should be understood that, with the current invention, the amount of spacing or aperture for the memory return woven reinforcement(s) can be adjusted and controlled to suit a wide variety of applications with the proper combination of the selection of number, location and size of the expansion block. The invention is applicable, in particularly, to the manufacture of a variety of memory return reinforcements having improved capturing and dissipation and canceling characteristics of a wider range of encountered impacts frequencies over the prior art.

Molding/Casting

In accordance with this invention, there is provided a molded memory return reinforced safety helmet comprising a memory return reinforced shell, most preferably the shell comprising a centralized alloys of nitinol reinforcement layer, the reinforced memory return layer(s) comprising a tunable encountered frequency canceling network preferably of high tenacity alloys of nitinol reinforcement in a filler resin matrix, with the proviso that when the memory return reinforcement(s) network layer or optional layers encompass a wide variety of encountered impact selective frequency capturing and attenuating characteristics as needed to suit the specific applications having a variety of reinforcement(s) sizes, diameters, and spacings, depending upon the specific application employing tunable memory return reinforcement(s).

Also in accordance with this invention, there is provided a molded safety helmet comprising a memory return reinforced shell, preferably employing coiled overlapping continuous spaced apart non-contact (non-frequency transferring) memory return reinforcement(s), see FIG. 8 B, cast in a resin matrix having an optional plurality of non-contact memory return reinforcement(s) having adhered layer(s) with filler resins to the optional second plurality of reinforcement(s) layers, the third optional plurality of reinforcement(s) non-contact memory return reinforcement(s) network layers comprising a network of optional non-contact memory return reinforcement(s) in a different or same filler resin matrix, the high tenacity memory return reinforced nitinol reinforcement(s) comprising encapsulating said memory return reinforcement(s), with the proviso that when the non-contact “coil” reinforcement(s) of the plurality of encapsulating layers comprise reinforcement(s) comprising overlapping continuous non-contact wire and or cable “coil” nitinol reinforcement(s).

Further in accordance with this invention, there is provided a method for forming a shell of a reinforced safety helmet comprising the steps of: supplying a first plurality of non-contact “coil” reinforcement(s) networks to a mold, the non-contact “coil” reinforcement layer(s) comprising a network of high tenacity nitinol memory return reinforcement(s) in a filler resin matrix, comprising the high tenacity nitinol reinforcement(s).

As a variation supplying a second plurality of non-contact wire and or cable “coil” memory return reinforcement(s) networks layer(s), see FIG. 13 A, into the mold, the optional second plurality of memory return reinforcement(s) networks comprising high tenacity memory return reinforcement(s) in a filler resin matrix, the high tenacity nitinol reinforced comprising overlapping non-contact “coil” (non-touching) reinforcement(s); and applying heat and pressure to the plurality of said inserted memory return reinforcement(s) and the optional second plurality of memory return reinforcement(s) non-contact “coil” networks in optional layers, whereby the first plurality of memory return overlapping non-touching encountered frequency capturing networks in optional layers is adhered to the second plurality of optional overlapping non-touching networks in optional reinforcement layers to thereby mold (form) an integral safety helmet shell.

In still further accordance with the invention, there is provided a method for mold forming a memory return reinforcement shell system of a safety helmet comprising the steps of:

supplying a first optional plurality of memory return reinforcement layer(s) to a helmet mold, the memory return reinforcement layer(s) comprising memory return alloys reinforcement in a first filler resin matrix;

supplying an optional second plurality of memory return alloys reinforcement matrix layers into the helmet mold, the optional second plurality of reinforcement layers comprising a network of memory return alloys reinforcement(s) in an optional second filler resin matrix, the high tenacity memory return alloys reinforcement(s) comprising;

supplying a third optional plurality of nitinol reinforcement(s) matrices in layers into the safety helmet mold, the third optional plurality of memory return alloys reinforcement layers comprising a wide range of network employing memory return alloys reinforcement in an optional third filler resin matrix, is adhered to the optional third plurality of memory return alloys reinforcement layers to thereby form an integral reinforced encountered vortex and frequency attenuating safety helmet shell.

Preferably, the filler resin matrix in each of the plurality of memory return reinforcements matrix layer(s) are either the same as or are compatible with the filler resin matrix in the other optional plurality or pluralities of memory return reinforcements matrix layers. By “compatible” is meant that the filler resin chemistry is such that each prepreg filler resin can be cast under the same molding pressure, temperature and molding duration. This ensures that the memory return reinforced safety helmet shell having a variety of optional memory return reinforcements can be molded (cast) in one cycle, regardless of whether their filler resin(s) are one or more optional pluralities of memory return reinforcement matrix layers of same or different and or reinforcement(s).

By using a wide variety of prepregs configurations, the memory return reinforcements are properly positioned and spaced apart to prevent any direct contact with any portion of the memory return reinforced apparatuses of the current invention such as but not limited to by employing spacing pins, spacers, pre-engineered bending of the wire and or cable overlapping non-touching non-frequency transferring “coils”. The current invention encompasses many different methods and apparatuses to obtain these desired characteristics.

The cost of the safety helmet(s) can be significantly decreased since the nitinol alloys costs only a fraction compared to the cost of Kevlar®. The nitinol alloy matrix layer(s) are frequency capturing and responsive. As such, they are desirably placed as the central matrix layer(s) of the helmet shell.

Ballistic Helmets

The matrix having a variety of memory return reinforcements layers have good ballistic resistance and provide sufficient back face deformation, and are suitable in particular for use as the central reinforced section or matrix sections of composite ballistic safety helmets. The reinforced memory return matrix(ces) composite(s) is relatively flexible and the least abrasive when molded and has the lowest weight and highest ballistic resistance ration against certain encountered impact vortices and frequencies and projectile(s).

The reinforced memory return reinforcement is particularly suitable for use as the inner matrix of layers of the one or more reinforcement matrix sections of the safety helmet. Alternatively, such as in a two or three layers matrix section safety helmet the reinforced memory return layer(s) are preferably located in the helmet edge section(s) of the shell and the resin filler layers may be employed as the inner and outer section of the composite ballistic helmet system, see FIGS. 11 A and B.

Where the safety helmet is formed from one or more sections of reinforced memory return layer(s), preferably the outer helmet reinforcement section is preferably formed from a variety of nitinol alloy reinforcement layer(s) optionally the inner section may be formed from other memory return reinforcement(s) matrix layer(s), but this could be reversed if desired.

Preferably, each of the plurality of memory return reinforcement(s) matrix layers is preferably spaced apart to prevent direct contact the encapsulated or coated with the filler resin matrix prior to molding, so as to maintain the necessary and required (non-touching) spacing as necessary.

In general, the alloy reinforcement matrix of the invention is preferably formed by constructing a memory return reinforcement in network initially and then spaced apart to prevent direct contact (non-contact) as disclosed herein.

As used herein, the term “coating” “spacers” “spacing” “spacing apart” is used in a broad sense to describe creating a pre-engineered spaced apart memory return reinforced safety helmet apparatus providing non-frequency transferring characteristics to prevent any direct contact within the overlapping reinforcement network wherein the individual reinforcement(s) preferably having an overlapping continuous spacing as necessary reinforcement(s), reference FIGS. 8 A and B, matrix layers to prevent direct frequency bleeding or contact, preferably having filler resins composition surrounding the reinforcement(s). In the former case, it can be said that the memory return reinforcement(s) matrix systems when cast are pre-engineered to be properly spaced apart and fully embedded or encapsulated in the memory return reinforced matrix as needed.

The terms “embedded”, “encapsulating”, or “coating” and “impregnating” are interchangeably used herein.

To cast form the safety helmet shells of the current invention, prepregs of the one or more reinforcement networks are applied into a mold. Where one section or prepregs may be employed, preferably the desired number of the one or more memory return reinforcement matrix(ces) in one or more layers of the filler bonding resin(s) memory return matrix are placed into a desired mold in a position to form the encountered frequency capturing and canceling apparatus of the safety helmet shell. The mold may be of any desired type, such as a matched die mold. Next the desired number of the individual matrices of the memory return reinforcement are placed in the mold such as manually and or robotically positioned and installed such that they form the inner section of the safety helmet shell. Certainly the order may be reversed depending on which memory return reinforcement matrix layer(s) are desired to be near the outer or inner layers of the safety helmet. Desirably, the filler resin(s) is chosen so that it is non-tacky when injected (placed) into the mold producing ease of reinforced “coil” molding casting.

This permits the individual memory return reinforcing matrix and any optional layers producing ease of “coil” “loop” molding and casting in order to completely fill the mold and form the desired safety helmet shape. No adhesive is required to be used between the individual matrix layers or groups of reinforcement matrix and layers of the reinforcements, since the filler resin or resins of the individual matrix layers provides the needed position, securement, and bonding and other encountered frequency critical pre-engineered spacing having encountered impact frequency capturing and attenuating characteristics as needed as disclosed herein. However, a separate adhesive layer or layers may be used if necessary or desired.

Care should be taken to completely and uniformly fill the mold and place all of the memory return reinforcement matrix layer(s) in their proper pre-engineered orientations as needed, see FIGS. 8 A and B. This ensures uniform vortex and frequency canceling performance characteristics throughout the safety helmet shell.

Once the mold is properly loaded with the desired number and type of memory return frequency capturing and canceling reinforcement(s) matrix layer, the safety helmet shell can be molded under the desired molding conditions. For example, the molding temperature may range from about 55 to about 400° C. The clamp molding pressure may range, for example, from about 0.10 to about 2.0 tons. The molding times may range from about 10 seconds to about 2 minutes, more preferably from about 10 to 20 seconds to about 1 minute, and most preferably from about 5 seconds to about 10 seconds depending upon the specific application.

Under the desired conditions of molding, the filler resin or resins present in between the installed accurately positioned reinforcement networks is cured in the case of thermosetting filler resins. This results in strong accurate bondings of the reinforcement(s) spacing networks layers cast into the desired helmet shape as an integral, reinforced monolithic helmet molding system. It is believed that the thermosetting filler resin(s) of each set of the current invention's reinforcement(s) may be bonded at their spacing interfaces by cross-linking of the filler resins. For thermoplastic filler resins the safety helmet is cooled down below the softening temperature of the resin(s) and then removed from the mold. Under heat and pressure, the thermoplastic filler resins flow around and in between the current invention's reinforcements spacing, also resulting in an integral, monolithic molding method and system. Preferably the molding pressure is maintained during cooling. The molded safety (product) is thereafter removed the mold and the reinforced helmet(s) may be trimmed, if necessary. Although it is preferred to have a single network layer of one type of reinforced memory return networks and an optional second layer of reinforced memory return networks as needed. These may alternate in a repeating or non-repeating network pattern. However, it is preferred that each reinforced memory return layer is formed from a single type of reinforced memory return material.

In the case of three prepreg of different types, a safety helmet is preferably formed cast by first introducing the reinforced memory return matrices into the mold, then introducing the filler resin or resins (preferably said memory return reinforcement are to be positioned and cast in the middle section of the helmet) then optionally introducing other optional reinforcing layers (preferably they are to be positioned and cast in the inner and outer edge of the safety helmet shell). Again, the order of introduction of the different types of prepregs can vary depending on which prepregs are desired to be in the outer edge layer(s), the middle layer(s) and the inner edge layer(s) of the memory return reinforced safety helmet shell.

A memory return reinforced safety helmet shell may be cast (formed) from one or more reinforced memory return layers of reinforcing memory return networks preferably from alloys of nitinol.

As an example with American style football helmet the mold thickness can range between about 4.00 mm to about 10.00 mm, more preferably between about 6.00 mm to about 8.00 mm depending upon wearer's age, weight, and application. The memory return network layer(s) may be in the form of a wide variety of patterns and configurations in each helmet design. The reinforced layers are placed in the mold mounted on a frame to maintain the preferred reinforcement uniform spacing, shape, and tensioned in a direction such that the reinforcement layer(s) avoid direct contact with each other.

A safety helmet having any suitable reinforced helmet configuration may be molded with the following optional differences having three layers or sets of memory return reinforcing networks. The inner and outer layers preferably are filler resins using the same techniques.

A helmet may be molded under the same conditions as disclosed previously.

A reinforced safety helmet shell may be formed solely from one or more optional memory return alloy materials and reinforcement networks disclosed previously.

The use of two or more memory return ballistic reinforcing materials in a molded ballistic reinforced helmet shell provides higher ballistic resistance. In addition, the use of three or more memory return ballistic reinforcing materials in a multiple layered molded ballistic helmet shell provides improved ballistic resistance as needed.

The cost of the reinforced helmets is significantly reduced when compared to the Kevlar® materials expensive helmets and is achieved without sacrificing the salient reinforced ballistic resistance of the multi-layered alloys of nitinol reinforcing material helmets.

In addition, the process of molding a two or more matrices having ballistic memory return reinforcing materials helmet shell without the requirement for changing match die molds provides additional choices to select a variety of filler materials for molding reinforced memory return ballistic helmet designs. Additionally, the same mold that is used to produce a single reinforced type of safety helmet shell can be used to produce the multi-network matrix layered memory return reinforced safety helmet shells of this invention.

Casting

Further embodiments of the invention are directed to methods for forming a shell for a memory return reinforced safety helmet as discussed herein. The methods comprise supplying, to a suitable mold, (for example between opposing matched, male and female die sections of the mold) a central reinforcing matrix layer or optional layers comprising a single or, optionally a, variety of memory return reinforcing network(s). Generally, the reinforcing layer is disposed in a matched die mold such that it is closer to the surface of the female die section, relative to the inner or outer memory return reinforcing material. This results in a safety helmet shell being formed with the inner and or outer layer comprising filler materials being closer, relative to an inner memory return reinforcing material, to the exterior surface or surfaces of the safety helmet shell. Additionally, an adhesive and filler layer may also optionally be supplied to the mold between the outer shell layer and or inner layer having encapsulated reinforcing material having optional inner memory return reinforcing material, inner layer and optional adhesive and filler layer to form the safety helmet shell and applying heat and/or pressure to cure the memory return reinforcing and adhere it to the outer layers. Appropriate conditions for curing may be achieved in matched die molding or autoclave molding processes. A particular autoclave curing technique employs vacuum bagging of the lay-up of the helmet(s) outer filler and protective layer encompassing memory return reinforcing materials, optionally with adhesive and filler resins and other optional reinforcing memory return layers, as disclosed herein. Vacuum bagging in an oven (i.e., without the application of above-atmospheric external pressure) may also be performed for curing. Any type of process may be assisted using optional adhesive and filler layer(s) such as incorporating “coil” “loop” preferably having pre-engineered spacing to prevent the overlapping coils from having any direct contact with each other such as but not limited to cemented spacers (non-frequency transferring) between the inner reinforcing “coil” matrix, in order to properly space and bond these components. The use of optional adhesive and filler such as resin cements in the absence of pressure, vacuum, and/or heating may also be sufficient in some cases.

In alternative embodiments, combinations of molding techniques may be used. For example, the internal memory return reinforcement material and network(s) may be pre-assembled to avoid direct contact with each other then molded separately in a matched die mold and then adhered to the outer filler resin layer comprising memory return (e.g., as a shaped monolith and or reinforcing network(s)) using an adhesive layer (e.g., cements) with or without the application of heat and/or pressure.

Further embodiments are directed to molded safety helmet having memory return reinforcements networks in their shells prepared according to these methods.

Preferably, each of the plurality of memory return reinforcement networks may be spaced apart as needed and partially coated to avoid direct contact with each other and subsequently encapsulated with a resin matrix prior to molding, so as to form prepreg and memory return network(s). In general, the memory return reinforcing system of the current invention are preferably pre-assembled then formed by constructing a reinforcing network system initially (e.g., starting with a reinforcing layer) and then coating the network with the matrix composition. As used herein, the term “coating” is used in a broad sense to describe a non-touching overlapping reinforcing network wherein the individual memory return reinforcing networks either have a continuous layer of the matrix networks composition surrounding the memory return reinforcement preferably having overlapping non-touching reinforcing networks. In the former case, it can be said that the memory return overlapping reinforcing matrices are non-touching are fully embedded in the matrix composition. The terms casting, coating, and encapsulating are interchangeably used herein. It is possible to apply the resin matrix to resin-free memory return reinforcement layer(s) spaced apart as needed and while in the mold, since the uniformity of the filler resin coating is easy to control.

To cast the safety and protective memory return reinforced helmet shells of this invention, the memory return reinforced with the preferred annular reinforcement “coils” (either as a monolith or as multiple matrices or sections), together with prepregs having one or more memory return reinforcement matrix layer(s) are installed into a mold. For example, after supplying the inner and or outer layer(s) comprising memory return reinforcement matrix to a suitable mold, the desired and preferred size, diameter, coiled, ratio, and memory return alloys, number of the matrix reinforcement or layers preferably comprising memory return reinforcements molded in a compatible resin matrix is subsequently placed into the mold in a pre-engineered position to cast (form) the helmet. The mold may be of any suitable type, such as a matched die mold having opposing, male and female matched die sections, whereby the central layer comprising memory return reinforcement is placed initially in contact with the female matched die section or optionally the male matched die sections. The order of reinforcement placement may be reversed depending on the desired, relative positions of the safety and protective helmet shell and desired reinforcement components. Desirably, the resin of the resin matrix is chosen so that it is non-tacky when suitably heated and when injected into said mold. This permits the filler resin(s) to easily slide around encapsulating said reinforcement and completely fill the mold and form the desired safety helmet shape as needed. As the resin or resins of the individual memory return reinforcement networks or layer(s) generally provides the needed bonding between the reinforcement layer(s). However, a separate adhesive portion or layer or multiple layers may be used if necessary or desired.

Care should be taken to completely and uniformly fill the mold and place all of the helmet shell memory return reinforcement components in their proper orientation.

Once the mold is properly loaded with the desired number and type of memory return reinforcement layer(s) and resin matrix of the filler material layer(s), and other optional components, the safety helmet shell can be molded under the necessary or desired molding conditions.

Under the desired conditions of molding, the resin or resins memory return reinforcement networks may be configured for thermoplastic resins and cured in the case of thermosetting resins. This ensures uniform results in strong bonding of the individual reinforcement modules matrix layer and groups of optional matrix layers into the desired safety helmet shape as an integral, monolithic reinforcement molding. It is believed that the thermosetting resins of each matrix or set of reinforcement system(s) are bonded at their interfaces by cross-linking of the resins. For thermoplastic resins the safety helmet is cooled down below the softening temperature of the resin and then removed (pulled out) from the mold. Under sufficient heat and pressure, the thermoplastic resins flow around and between encapsulating said reinforcement system modules, thus resulting in a monolithic, integral, accurate reinforcement positioning and spacings molding process. During cooling the molding pressure is maintained. The molded safety helmet is thereafter removed from the mold and the helmet shell is trimmed, if necessary.

In an alternative molding process, the lay-up of the outer shell layer comprising reinforcement layer, optionally with positioning and spacing prior to encapsulating said resin and/or other material layers as described herein, may be placed in an autoclave. Sufficient heat and/or pressure may accompany autoclave molding, with representative temperatures in the ranges as discussed with respect to die molding and representative absolute pressures typically in the range between about 2 bar to about 20 bar. Pressurization, for example using one or more inert gases such as helium or nitrogen, argon, that generally promotes higher resin casting densities. Additional external pressurization of up to 4 atmospheres can be supplied by vacuum bagging of the resin layer(s) if needed.

Using this technique, a bleedoff assembly to adjust vacuum pressure within the bag to prevent bonding of the lay-up to the molding tool surfaces are usually employed. The use of external pressure, optionally combined with vacuum bagging, can provide a number of beneficial functions including inducing pliability to alleviate helmet surface imperfections, removing, eliminating trapped and volatile gasses within molding resins, embedding reinforcement layer(s) for obtaining the desired efficient encountered frequency force canceling characteristics as disclosed herein and to maintain the desired pre-engineered performance specifications during curing process, and/or reducing humidity.

In a representative autoclave molding process, therefore, memory return reinforcement layer(s) are first positioned within a center layer preferably comprising suitable memory return reinforcement(s), which preferably are in the form of a reinforced monolith shell having the shape of the helmet shell. Careful assembly of the memory return reinforcement layer can help eliminate any undesirable direct contact between overlap between reinforcement “coils” and other reinforcement layers. The memory return reinforcement material is placed in a vacuum bag and the environment surrounding the lay-up is partially or nearly completely evacuated. When sufficient vacuum is created and maintained within the bag, it is disconnected from the vacuum pump and transferred to the autoclave for curing as discussed. The same techniques may be used when the reinforcement is in the form of a plurality (series) of matrix or grids, as described herein, that are bonded mechanically and/or chemically (e.g., with an adhesive).

According to other methods of making safety helmet shells described herein, elevated temperature alone (e.g., in an oven) may be used to bond the outer filler layer(s) preferably containing memory return reinforcements materials within said safety helmet. Oven heating may be used with vacuum bagging to provide heat, together with up to 5 atmospheres of external pressure. Otherwise, an adhesive, with or without external heating, may provide sufficient filler and bonding for forming the safety helmet having reinforced memory return shell. Combinations of methods may also be used. For example, according to a representative method may be cured initially, now having the shape of the memory return reinforced safety helmet shell optionally, can then be coated with other layer(s) on its exterior surface, if needed or followed by assembly of the helmet inner liner/suspension system materials as stated herein. Optionally the lay-up may be transferred to a vacuum bag, as described above, prior to the application of heat in an oven or the application and heat and additional pressure in an autoclave, thereby effecting the curing (e.g., of a thermosetting resin matrix).

Example 1

A memory return reinforced safety helmet shell may be molded using a matched metal die mold, designed to accurately position and insert and mold reinforced safety helmet shaped parts.

The memory return reinforcement networks are designed in such a manner that it nearly completely covers the male or female mold section. Care should be taken that there are no folds or creases generated on the pre-form (spaced apart) memory return reinforcement networks during transferring and installing to the mold. After about 20 seconds, the cooling cycle may be started. During cooling cycle molding pressure is preferably maintained. Once the mold has cooled to about 35° C. (77° F.), the mold may be opened and molded reinforced memory return safety shell is removed.

The previously discussed casting/molding methods and apparatuses may be adjusted to specifically tune/tailor the reinforced memory return operational characteristics and operational temperature by controlling the molding/casting rise time and temperature, the soaking time and temperature, and fall time and temperature to suit a particular safety helmet performance and application and or to suit a particular memory return alloy as needed depending upon application.

These significant tunable characteristics can be specifically tailored to suit a variety of memory return alloys and their specific compositions.

The memory return reinforcement apparatuses materials such as overlapping continuous non-touching wire and or cable “coils” “loops” “rings,” “meshes,” or “fibers,” and their pre-engineered spacing's provide(s) an encountered impact nullifying/dampening apparatus that provides an optimal frequency dampening characteristics that may be tailored to a variety of custom resins or plastic mixes as needed to obtain non-frequency transferring characteristics, as for example, for obtaining a high initial reinforcement shear strength having a minimal time between each laminated or cast layer(s), depending upon application. The helmet(s) may incorporate multiple layers of the same or different memory return frequencies capturing and canceling configurations and materials as needed.

Several specified embodiments encompass that in combination with the use of one or more geometric memory return reinforcement configurations such as in a variety of casting processes, a number of improvements in frequency capturing design, weight, accuracy, and encountered helmet impact “attenuating” characteristics as needed are possible.

The safety helmet manufacturing process of the current invention to preferably obtain the desired hardness and/or molecular orientation as needed and or to speed up the curing rate and/or improve a variety of safety helmet performance characteristics and manufacturing process. For example, but not limited to a torch, hot air blower, steam, air, nitrogen gas, exposure from radio or microwave energy sources may be employed to treat the wide variety of helmet filling materials and/or to speed up or improve cross linking and or the curing characteristics and/or cycles. Depending upon application, a judicious choice of the helmet's material(s) and configurations known to those within the art, particularly those that cure quickly such as plastics, resins or other hybrid materials.

The current invention's methods and apparatus simultaneously promotes simultaneous casting of multi-grade(s) sized nitinol “reinforcement” and filler or bonding plastics and/or resin mixes and other materials as needed.

The method(s) and apparatuses of the current invention compensates for some manufacturing inconsistencies that may occur in the prior art helmet(s) such as casting or injection process. This is an object of the invention.

Several specified embodiments encompass that the inventive nitinol reinforcing overlapping continuous non-touching “coils” “loops” “rings” apparatus configurations further promotes faster casting rates as having a melting temperature of 1,300 degrees C., and improves manufacturing schedules thus reducing (shortens) manufacturing timelines at equivalent costs or reduced cost.

Other specified embodiments encompass that the nitinol “reinforcement” casting/molding methods and apparatus of the current invention is compatible with a wide variety of micro-reinforcements micro-fibers, micro-coils, aggregates (minerals) filler or bonding plastics and or synthetic resins as needed.

To regulate the casting environment for a wide variety of filler resin mixes to suit a variety of safety helmet casting or injection molding applications specifically for optimizing a variety of safety helmet performance characteristics to obtain the synergistic potentials of high performance safety helmets by controlling the mechanisms for the curing environment to enhance the mix component(s) and mechanisms and to optimize the memory return materials and mix proportions whose properties have been designed to meet specific engineering needs.

While the invention will be described in connection with the preferred embodiment, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to that embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Furthermore, the components, steps, features, objects, benefits and advantages that have been discussed are merely illustrative. None of them, nor the discussions relating to them, is intended to limit the scope of protection in any way. Numerous other embodiments are also contemplated, including embodiments that have fewer, additional, and/or different components, steps, features, objects, benefits and advantages. The components and steps may also be arranged and ordered differently.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the exact details of manufacture, operation, exact materials, or embodiments shown and described, as obvious modifications and equivalents will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

The disclosed Examples and descriptions are intended to show merely optional configurations for the methods and devices of the invention. Variations, modifications, and additional attachments can be made by one of skill in the art. Thus, the scope of the invention is not limited to any specific Example or any specific embodiment described herein. Furthermore, the claims are not limited to any particular embodiment shown or described herein.

The following discussion addresses optional features and design factors one of ordinary skill in the art may employ in producing a wide variety of protective and safety helmet(s). Nothing in this discussion should be taken as a limitation to the scope of the invention and the parameters defined here are merely examples of the many embodiments possible. While the optional features and design factors of the protective and safety helmet(s) noted here can also be used with high performance helmet(s), typical nullifying of encountered impact characteristics and conditions may make the discussion herein more appropriate for safely helmet(s).

The particular arrangement shown in the figures and described herein is intended to be only one example of a boarding path arrangement or configuration incorporating the principles of the invention. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation, the invention being defined by the claims.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” “linked” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

The above-detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of and examples for the disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Further any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values or ranges.

Any patents and applications and other references noted herein, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the disclosure.

Accordingly, although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that all the terms used herein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that many changes, modifications, and substitutions may be made by one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The words used in the claims have their full ordinary meaning and are not limited in any way by the description of the embodiments in the specification. Further, as described herein, when one or more components are described as being connected, joined, affixed, coupled, attached, or otherwise interconnected, such interconnection may be direct as between the components or may be in direct such as through the use of one or more intermediary components. Also as described herein, reference to a “member,” “component,” or “portion” shall not be limited to a single structural member, component, or element but can include an assembly of components, members or elements.

While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the inventions may be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination in the exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts and features may be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expressly excluded herein all such combinations and sub-combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present inventions. Still further, while various alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts and features of the inventions such as alternative materials, structures, configurations, methods, devices and components, alternatives as to form, fit and function, and so on may be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether presently known or later developed. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of the inventive aspects, concepts or features into additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the present inventions even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, even though some features, concepts or aspects of the inventions may be described herein as being a preferred arrangement or method, such description is not intended to suggest that such feature is required or necessary unless expressly so stated. Still further, exemplary or representative values and ranges may be included to assist in understanding the present disclosure, however, such values and ranges are not to be construed in a limiting sense and are intended to be critical values or ranges only if so expressly stated. Moreover, while various aspects, features and concepts may be expressly identified herein as being inventive or forming part of an invention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive, but rather there may be inventive aspects, concepts and features that are fully described herein without being expressly identified as such or as part of a specific invention, the inventions instead being set forth in the appended claims. Descriptions of exemplary methods or processes are not limited to inclusion of all steps as being required in all cases, nor is the order that the steps are presented to be construed as required or necessary unless expressly so stated.

REFERENCES

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1. A helmet assembly comprising: a shell configured to receive a head of a wearer of the helmet, the shell comprising a reinforcing layer that includes an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the reinforcing layer comprises a series of linked coils that are entirely encased within a solid filler material, and wherein the series of linked coils are positioned between the outer surface and the inner surface of the reinforcing layer wherein the series of linked coils includes at least first, second and third linked coils that each define an axis, and wherein the axes of the first, second and third linked coils are not co-axial; wherein the inner surface of the reinforcing layer generally forms a curved plane, and wherein the series of linked coils are arranged in overlapping rows to form a curved plane that is generally parallel to the curved plane of the inner surface of the reinforcing layer, and wherein the series of linked coils comprise a metal alloy of nickel and titanium, and wherein the nickel and titanium are present in roughly equal atomic percentages.
 2. The helmet assembly of claim 1, wherein the amount by volume of the filler material is about the same on either side of the curved plane of the series of linked coils, such that the curved plane of the series of linked coils is located in approximately the middle of the reinforcement layer.
 3. The helmet assembly of claim 1, further comprising a face guard having an upper side and a lower side, wherein the face guard has at least one flexible connecting rod affixed proximate the upper side of the face guard, wherein the shell comprises at least one curved receiving channel defined therein that extends generally parallel to the curved plane of the inner surface of the shell, wherein the curved receiving channel is adapted to allow the at least one flexible connecting rod to be removably inserted into the curved receiving channel so as to fasten the face guard to the shell.
 4. The helmet assembly of claim 1, wherein the ratio of the mass of the linked coils to the mass of the helmet assembly ranges from about 1.0 to about 20.0.
 5. The helmet assembly of claim 4, wherein the diameter of the linked coils range from about 0.003 inches to about 1.50 inches.
 6. The helmet assembly of claim 4, wherein the helmet is capable of eliminating at least 10 percent of wave frequencies in the megahertz range that are generated upon helmet assembly impact.
 7. The helmet assembly of claim 4, wherein the helmet is capable of eliminating at least 10 percent of wave frequencies in the kilohertz range that are generated upon helmet assembly impact.
 8. The helmet assembly of claim 5, wherein the helmet is capable of eliminating at least 10 percent of wave frequencies in the megahertz range that are generated upon helmet assembly impact.
 9. The helmet assembly of claim 5, wherein the helmet is capable of eliminating at least 10 percent of wave frequencies in the kilohertz range that are generated upon helmet assembly impact.
 10. A helmet assembly comprising: a shell configured to receive a head of a wearer of the helmet, the shell comprising a reinforcing layer that includes an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the reinforcing layer comprises a series of linked coils that are entirely encased within a solid filler material, and wherein the series of linked coils are positioned between the outer surface and the inner surface of the reinforcing layer wherein the series of linked coils includes at least first, second and third linked coils that each define an axis, and wherein the axes of the first, second and third linked coils are not co-axial; wherein the inner surface of the reinforcing layer generally forms a curved plane, and wherein the series of linked coils are arranged in overlapping rows to form a curved plane that is generally parallel to the curved plane of the inner surface of the reinforcing layer, and wherein the series of linked coils comprise a metal alloy of nickel and titanium, and wherein the nickel and titanium are present in roughly equal atomic percentages; a face guard having an upper side and a lower side; wherein the face guard has at least one flexible connecting rod affixed proximate the upper side of the face guard; wherein the shell comprises at least one curved receiving channel defined therein that extends generally parallel to the curved plane of the inner surface of the shell, wherein the curved receiving channel is designed to allow the at least one flexible connecting rod to be removably inserted into the curved receiving channel so as to fasten the face guard to the shell.
 11. The helmet assembly of claim 10, wherein the ratio of the mass of the linked coils to the mass of the helmet assembly ranges from about 1.0 to about 20.0.
 12. The helmet assembly of claim 11, wherein the diameter of the linked coils range from about 0.003 inches to about 1.50 inches.
 13. The helmet assembly of claim 11, wherein the helmet is capable of eliminating at least 10 percent of wave frequencies in the megahertz range that are generated upon helmet assembly impact.
 14. The helmet assembly of claim 11, wherein the helmet is capable of eliminating at least 10 percent of wave frequencies in the kilohertz range that are generated upon helmet assembly impact.
 15. A helmet assembly comprising: a shell configured to receive a head of a wearer of the helmet, the shell comprising a reinforcing layer that includes an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the reinforcing layer comprises memory return materials comprising non-touching non-frequency transferring wire or cable continuous overlapping coiled materials, wherein the materials comprise a metal alloy of nickel and titanium, and wherein the nickel and titanium are present in roughly equal atomic percentages, and wherein the memory return materials are encased within a solid filler material.
 16. The helmet assembly of claim 15, wherein the ratio of the mass of memory return materials to the mass of the helmet assembly ranges from about 1.0 to about 20.0.
 17. The helmet assembly of claim 16, wherein the diameter of the coiled materials ranges from about 0.003 inches to about 1.50 inches.
 18. The helmet assembly of claim 17, wherein the helmet is capable of eliminating at least 10 percent of wave frequencies in the megahertz range that are generated upon helmet assembly impact.
 19. The helmet assembly of claim 17, wherein the helmet is capable of eliminating at least 10 percent of wave frequencies in the kilohertz range that are generated upon helmet assembly impact.
 20. A helmet assembly comprising: a shell configured to receive a head of a wearer of the helmet, the shell comprising a reinforcing layer that includes an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the reinforcing layer comprises memory return materials comprising non-touching non-frequency transferring wire or cable continuous overlapping coiled materials, wherein the inner surface of the reinforcing layer generally forms a curved plane, and wherein the series of linked coils are arranged in overlapping rows to form a curved plane that is generally parallel to the curved plane of the inner surface of the reinforcing layer, and wherein the series of linked coils comprise a metal alloy of nickel and titanium, and wherein the nickel and titanium are present in roughly equal atomic percentages; a face guard having an upper side and a lower side; wherein the face guard has at least one flexible connecting rod affixed proximate the upper side of the face guard; wherein the shell comprises at least one curved receiving channel defined therein that extends generally parallel to the curved plane of the inner surface of the shell, wherein the curved receiving channel is designed to allow the at least one flexible connecting rod to be removably inserted into the curved receiving channel so as to fasten the face guard to the shell.
 21. The helmet assembly of claim 20, wherein the ratio of the mass of memory return materials to the mass of the helmet assembly ranges from about 1.0 to about 20.0.
 22. The helmet assembly of claim 21, wherein the diameter of the coiled materials ranges from about 0.003 inches to about 1.50 inches.
 23. The helmet assembly of claim 22, wherein the helmet is capable of eliminating at least 10 percent of wave frequencies in the megahertz range that are generated upon helmet assembly impact.
 24. The helmet assembly of claim 22, wherein the helmet is capable of eliminating at least 10 percent of wave frequencies in the kilohertz range that are generated upon helmet assembly impact.
 25. A helmet assembly comprising: a shell configured to receive a head of a wearer of the helmet, the shell comprising a reinforcing layer that includes an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the reinforcing layer comprises memory return materials comprising a first wire or cable comprising a section wound into a spiral and a second wire or cable comprising a section would into a spiral, and wherein the first wire or cable does not touch the second wire or cable, and wherein the materials comprise a metal alloy of nickel and titanium, and wherein the nickel and titanium are present in roughly equal atomic percentages, and wherein the memory return materials are encased within a solid filler material.
 26. The helmet assembly of claim 25, wherein the ratio of the mass of memory return materials to the mass of the helmet assembly ranges from about 1.0 to about 20.0.
 27. The helmet assembly of claim 26, wherein the diameter of the coiled materials ranges from about 0.003 inches to about 1.50 inches.
 28. The helmet assembly of claim 27, wherein the helmet is capable of eliminating at least 10 percent of wave frequencies in the megahertz range that are generated upon helmet assembly impact.
 29. The helmet assembly of claim 27, wherein the helmet is capable of eliminating at least 10 percent of wave frequencies in the kilohertz range that are generated upon helmet assembly impact.
 30. A helmet assembly comprising: a shell configured to receive a head of a wearer of the helmet, the shell comprising a reinforcing layer that includes an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the reinforcing layer comprises memory return materials comprising a first wire or cable comprising a section wound into a spiral and a second wire or cable comprising a section would into a spiral, and wherein the first wire or cable does not touch the second wire or cable, wherein the inner surface of the reinforcing layer generally forms a curved plane, and wherein the series of linked coils are arranged in overlapping rows to form a curved plane that is generally parallel to the curved plane of the inner surface of the reinforcing layer, and wherein the series of linked coils comprise a metal alloy of nickel and titanium, and wherein the nickel and titanium are present in roughly equal atomic percentages; a face guard having an upper side and a lower side; wherein the face guard has at least one flexible connecting rod affixed proximate the upper side of the face guard; wherein the shell comprises at least one curved receiving channel defined therein that extends generally parallel to the curved plane of the inner surface of the shell, wherein the curved receiving channel is designed to allow the at least one flexible connecting rod to be removably inserted into the curved receiving channel so as to fasten the face guard to the shell.
 31. The helmet assembly of claim 30, wherein the ratio of the mass of memory return materials to the mass of the helmet assembly ranges from about 1.0 to about 20.0.
 32. The helmet assembly of claim 31, wherein the diameter of the coiled materials ranges from about 0.003 inches to about 1.50 inches.
 33. The helmet assembly of claim 32, wherein the helmet is capable of eliminating at least 10 percent of wave frequencies in the megahertz range that are generated upon helmet assembly impact.
 34. The helmet assembly of claim 32, wherein the helmet is capable of eliminating at least 10 percent of wave frequencies in the kilohertz range that are generated upon helmet assembly impact.
 35. A method of lessening the risk of concussion or CTE resulting from repeated head impact, wherein the method comprises: use of a helmet assembly according to claim 1 during two or more activities capable of involving a head impact; wherein use of the helmet assembly reduces at least 10 percent of wave frequencies produced upon head impact in the kilohertz or megahertz range as compared to a helmet as shown in FIG. 1; and wherein the reduction of wave frequencies during two or more activities capable of involving head impact reduces concussion- or CTE-causing cellular damage that could accumulate over repeated head impacts thereby lessening the risk of concussion or CTE.
 36. The method according to claim 35, wherein the helmet further comprises an adjustable air or water bladder system between a soft padding energy management platform and a stiffer energy management platform layer that provides absorbent points that push evenly on all energy management platforms.
 37. The method according to claim 35, wherein the helmet further comprises a re-inflatable safety air bag system to be deployed upon encountered train impacts that exceed a pre-defined encountered force frequency.
 38. The method according to claim 36, wherein the method provides for slowing down the duration of impact, and wherein a 15 foot pound encountered train impact of about 100 milliseconds in duration is extended to at least about 300 milliseconds. 